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The AVMA encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards. Ear cropping in Boxer dogs is widely believed to reduce the risk of ear infections. It also improves their sense of hearing, as sound passes straight to the eardrums with no ear flap falling forward and preventing it. Dogs with cropped ears are less likely to suffer from ear canal infections than natural eared dogs since the development of related severe conditions is linked to having a heavy-hanging ear. According to them, ear infection susceptibility is commonly dictated by breed. Naturally, Boxers have floppy ears that tend to fold over. It prevents adequate airflow and traps a lot of moisture in the ears. As a result, ear infections are increasingly common in Boxer dogs with unclipped ears. Many believe ear cropping allows for better ventilation in the ears, keeping bacteria at bay. The practice of ear clipping, however, does not appear to prevent or successfully treat these infections. Many consider it an alteration that goes against nature or a pointless cosmetic operation with no concrete health benefits. Generally, ear clipping in dogs is a painful procedure. Even if the puppy is sedated, healing will trigger a great deal of anxiety. Cropping is also carried out under total anesthesia, which has associated risks, according to a study. Hence, many of those against the practice see the procedure as a threat to animal welfare. After surgery, Boxers will also experience discomfort as they recover, stretch, re-tape, bandage, and undergo other manipulations. Some Boxer dogs might need bandaging or taping to keep their ears upright, which lasts for days to months. During this time, they are separated from other dogs, and isolation makes a dog prone to loneliness. Clipped ears, like every incision, may become infected. It may also fail to stand or have a skewed form or distorted position, potentially requiring subsequent surgery. Meanwhile, many of those in favor argue that the breed is known for cropped ears for decades. Ear cropping is usually performed on Boxer puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks. The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but the healing stage will last for several weeks if there are no post-surgery complications. In most cases, a pre-anesthetic sedative-analgesic drug will help your Boxer relax. The vet or vet assistant will wash the ears. They ensure the ears are sterile before the surgery. The vet will mark the area where the ear will be cut. Based on the selected crop style, measurements and the areas that will be affected are marked accordingly. It will help make the surgery as precise as possible. Only a triangular piece of the ear will remain. It is stitched in such a way the ear does not flap over. Instead, it will stand straight. The same procedure is performed on the other ear afterward. If your dog is sutured, it needs to be removed after 10 to 14 days. Ideally, it would be best if you allotted ample time to take care of your Boxer after the operation. Prepare to spend a lot of time bandaging, posting, and going to the vet for numerous routine check-ups. You need to follow the proper aftercare precisely because if not, scarring can likely occur. Your household must also be a conducive healing environment for your Boxer to ensure your pup will recover well. Remember that a healing animal can feel pain from time to time, so expect grumpiness. Unfortunately, not every procedure turns out to be successful as Boxers have differences in their ears. Luckily, I have a short but precise pros and cons list to help you make the best decision if ear cropping is right for your Boxer. Pros On a Boxer, cropped ears look fantastic. Though floppy, natural ears are lovely on their own, the trimmed ear style complements their square-shaped head and blunt snout. Having cropped or trimmed ears is considered the breed standard in many dogs, including Boxers. It gives them a clean and sharp breed intended look. For many dog breeders and owners, cropped ears turned into a long-standing tradition. The practice is observed in many dogs, and they may even look different or look unrecognizable without cropped ears, as controversial as it may be. Your Boxer dog ears will remain clean. Ear infections caused by yeast or bacteria, ear mites, or ticks that tend to line the underside of the ear would almost certainly never be a problem for a dog with clipped ears. You will need to deal with the solid social stigma connected to ear cropping. As previously discussed, the painful procedure is deemed as animal cruelty by many animal rights advocates and dog owners. For the Boxer, the procedure can be excruciating and stressful. Even during the healing process, your Boxer will be forced to wear an uncomfortable Elizabethan collar. The ears need to be taped in a particular manner to ensure that it results in erect ears. While it is rare, some owners have lost their Boxer puppies due to reported postoperative complications. As a Boxer owner, it is your responsibility to understand the benefits and drawbacks of cosmetic surgical procedures like ear cropping. Ensure that your dog will generally benefit from the surgery before making a final decision. No, ear cropping is not necessary for your Boxers to compete in various dog shows even though it is preferred by the American Boxer Club. A clipped ear does not give a dog the winning edge in the show ring. If anything, that belief is a popular misconception. When it comes to ear cropping or Otoplasty, there is no strict age limit. It can be performed on Boxers of any age. However, a Boxer puppy should ideally have their ears cropped between the ages of 10 and 12 weeks old. Having your Boxer go under the knife at this age will avoid unnecessary damage and discomfort. Hence the operation can cause an older dog more pain and discomfort than it would to a puppy. Included in this estimate are anesthesia, the operation, aftercare medicine, and follow-up visits. However, I strongly discourage you from doing so. For starters, having your Boxer puppy anesthetized is needed to avoid excruciating pain during the procedure. In some cases, it may take a little longer. During the healing period, your Boxer needs to wear an ear rack or tape to hold the ears upright in place and erect. Keep a close eye on the tape or bandages to keep the wounds clean and free of infection. Realistically, it will take about a full 4 to 5 months until your Boxer is fully healed from the ear cropping surgery. The question remains: to crop or not to crop? Other things to consider are the number of pets at home, children, time restraints, financial constraints, and the pain your dog may experience during the procedure. If anything, it can be a painful procedure that requires careful aftercare and frequent veterinarian visits. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. UK What Exactly is Cropping? When a Boxer has their ears cropped, in countries in which it is legal, it is considered to be cosmetic surgery. When does a Boxer have their ears cropped? The general rule is to do so when the Boxer puppy is 10 - 12 weeks old. Although a dog of any age can have it done, a young puppy's ears are small and soft thus making the healing process smoother. The dog is sedated during the surgery. The animal surgeon will mark the area of where the ear will be cut. Just as the name suggests, part of the ear is literally cut off. It is then stitched in such a way so that the ear does not flap over; it will stand straight up. It is the act of cutting the ear that causes many people opt against having this done. However, it must be noted that the dog will not experience pain during the surgery. A dog will have discomfort for up to 3 weeks afterwards while the ears heal. Small paper cones are usually placed on the ears to protect them in this sensitive stage. An owner is given disinfectant from the veterinarian to careful put on the healing ears twice per day. When an owner decides to have their Boxer's ears cropped they must make a commitment to following the very precise aftercare that is needed; if not, scarring will occur. It should also be noted that not all cropped ears will stand up. Why Are Boxer's Ears Cropped? In many countries, the Boxer is known for having cropped ears, something that has been done since the breed was introduced and owners feel that they should maintain the breed standard. The argument being that the Boxer breed does not have controlled ears.Some believe that long, floppy ears can trap moisture which can lead to ear mites and yeast infections. However, this can also happen with smaller, cropped ears. In countries such as the U. However, recent trends have many breeders keeping ears natural. A large number of owners choose this and those that do not can opt to have the procedure done to their Boxer once they obtain the puppy. We urge anyone who is considering to have this done to their dog to choose an experienced veterinarian, as a bad cropping can lead to infection and aesthetic issues such as too much of the flap being removed, etc. Please check with a veterinarian to see if he or she has experience not only with cropping but specifically with the Boxer breed since each breed that does traditionally have the ears clipped has different shaping and size. Some refer to this clipping as a "show crop" and by that, it is meant that per AKC conformation standards, the Boxer's ears should not be an outstanding feature or focal point. Rather, the size , set and shape should flatter the facial features, adding balance and lending to the overall appearance of the head. A couple of issues that can occur are often due to the thickness of the ear flap. Boxer ears with very thick leather may be too heavy too stand and a good veterinarian will be able to let an owner know in advance. In some cases, not wanting to take off too much of the flap, a vet will err on the side of caution, which can lead to needing a 2nd cropping down the road to gain the desired appearance. In some locations, the cost for this procedure is tiered based on the dog's weight. The answer is no. While some may say that the Boxer standard is cropped ears, just about every recognized dog club, including the AKC accepts Boxers with or without cropped ears. This is most certainly a personal decision. Cropping is not clinically proven to reduce ear infections or reduce the chance of a dog getting ear mites. Dog shows allow Boxers with their natural ears. The only valid reason an owner would have is that they prefer their dog to look a certain way. It is a myth that puppies do not feel pain.Is that worth the discomfort that a Boxer puppy will need to endure? While we must stay neutral on this subject, we suggest that an owner carefully think about this issue before deciding. If Ears are Not Standing Correctly Even with cropping, precise symmetrical ears does not always happen. It is not uncommon for one ear to stand a bit more erect than another, or even both may not stand as desired. The experience of the veterinarian has a part in this. But also the muscles at the base of the ears may not be strong enough. In some cases, this can improve with age and improvement may be seen in 1 or 2 months. Owners may have heard about taping ears, which is what it sounds like: a method of using tape to hold ears in a desired position with the hope that this will cause them to stay as so once the tape has been removed. Though this sounds like a great idea, it rarely ever works. While some people do not agree with this procedure, it is common with Boxer dogs. Boxer dogs originally had their ears cropped to help protect them from injury when they were hunting, working, or fighting. Now, the ears are cropped for cosmetic purposes, to improve hearing, or to make care easier. Ear cropping is not required by the breed standard, and many feel it is unnecessary. Does Ear Cropping Hurt Dogs? Ear cropping is a surgical procedure. While dogs are put under for the actual procedure, they can experience pain when they wake up and while the ears are healing. It can also cause ear problems that can be painful throughout their life. Boxers: Benefits of Ear Cropping There are a few benefits of ear cropping. It can help improve their hearing as the ear canals are not covered and sounds can easily pass through them. It can also make the ears easier to clean and help reduce buildup and ear infections. Boxers: Disadvantages of Ear Cropping Ear cropping can be painful and may cause emotional trauma to your dog. Ear cropping also makes the ears very thin, so they can rip easily. Sometimes the ears do not heal properly and can lead to deformities that can affect hearing and cause other ear problems. Most veterinarians who are willing to do ear cropping will only do it if your dog meets the age requirements. Some may prefer to wait until the dog is at least 10 weeks old to do the procedure. The earlier you do it, the better the results. This is the safest and best option. You may also find some breeders or groomers who are able to do ear cropping. No matter whom you choose to do it, make sure they are reputable and experienced with Boxer ears. Boxer Ear Crop Styles There are different styles of ear crops for boxers. Some people have a preference, and other people just allow the person cropping the ears to choose the best option. Short Crop — This is a short crop where the ears stand and are very short. There is some ear noticeable, but the ears are very small. Show Crop — This crop is the most common and preferred. The length is in between the short and long crop, and this is the most common for dogs that are cropped for cosmetic reasons. Long Crop — This is the longest style of crop. The ears still stand, but they are much longer than other cropped styles. Battle Crop — This is the shortest style of crop and leaves hardly any of the ear intact. It was created to prevent the ears from being grabbed by other dogs in a fight. Boxer Ear Cropping Price The price of ear cropping can vary based on the style and the person doing the cropping. Boxer Ear Cropping Procedure During the procedure, the dog is put under, and the surgeon removes a small section of the ear. This allows the ears to stand. The ears are then sewed up the sides and bandaged. When the dog wakes up, they are able to go home with the owner, but care is required for many weeks to ensure the ears heal properly. Boxer Ear Cropping Aftercare It is important to keep the ears clean and allow them to heal. There are kits that include tape and supports, but some people make their own supports using tampons or plastic sticks wrapped in gauze. The incisions heal fairly quickly, usually within two weeks. It can take a while for the ears to be trained to stand, so many people keep the ears taped and supported even after the stitches are out or dissolved and the incision has healed. Most of the time, the ears will start to stand on their own around three to four weeks after the procedure. Sometimes it can take up to nine weeks. Most owners have to remove the support and tape every few days to check the ears to see if they are standing and if they will stand on their own. If the ears do not remain standing, they can be supported and taped again until they do. Boxer Ear Cropping Infection Ear cropping infections can occur. It is important to clean the ears and allow them to get air to scab over and heal. An antibiotic may be needed to help treat the infection. Boxer Ear Taping Ear taping is a way of training the ears to stay in a certain position. This is commonly done with ears that have been cropped, and some people tape the ears with supports to help them stand. The ears are positioned and then taped to hold that position. The tape can be removed every few days so the ears can be cleaned and then taped again. Taping After Cropping Ear taping is done after cropping to help the ears stand. The ears are gently put into the desired position, and the tape is wrapped around the base of the ear to hold them up. The ears are not completely wrapped and are never wrapped tightly. Another method is to use tampons and insert them alongside the outside portion of the ear and then tape the ears around them. This also prevents the ears from flapping as much and can give them a shorter appearance. They are taped to hold their position. Tape is removed every few days so the ears can be cleaned, and then they are taped again until they stay folded forward on their own. Conclusion While ear cropping is a controversial procedure, it is still very common and popular with certain dog breeds. Proper care and the right taping technique will ensure the ears heal properly and look good. Related Posts:.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. If you are a Labrador owner or thinking of introducing a Labrador into your family, you may have heard of a Dudley Labrador. There is quite a lot of mystique around these special pups, which means they can sometimes struggle to find a home or your breeder might ask for a premium for the pup. Read on to discover everything you need to know about these handsome dogs. They are just as good a choice for a family dog as any other type of Labrador. What Is A Dudley Labrador? A Dudley Labrador is a Yellow Labrador that is born without any pigment in their nose, eye rims, and feet, so they appear pink. They will have pale-colored eyes as well, usually blue or teal. There are three recognized colors of Labradors, black, chocolate, and yellow. Each of these dogs has two genetic loci that affect their pigmentation. The first of these loci is called the B loci, and can be BB, Bb, or bb. Any Labrador that inherits a BB or Bb will be black. Dogs that inherit a bb can be chocolate or yellow. Whether they are chocolate or yellow depends on the Ee loci, which can be EE, Ee, or ee. Of these dogs with the bb loci, those that inherit EE or Ee will be chocolate, and those that inherit ee will be yellow. But, those few pups that inherit both bb and ee loci will not only be yellow, but they will also be a Dudley Labrador. So, Dudley Labradors are a natural genetic occurrence, but they are relatively rare. There are also other Labradors that have reduced pigmentation, such as Black Labradors with a chocolate nose. This type of reduced pigmentation is just natural variation within the normal color range of Labradors. Pink Nose Lab All Labradors are born with pink noses. For the majority of Labs, their noses will turn black or brown during the first few weeks of their lives. However, because Dudley Labradors have less melanin, their noses, the rims around their eyes, and their feet stay pink for their entire lives. Dudley Labradors are not albinos, because this lack of pigmentation does not affect every part of their bodies. But Dudley Labradors are not the only pink nose Labs. As Labradors age, the pigmentation in their nose reduces. This pigmentation is produced by an enzyme called tyrosinase, which makes melanin. As this enzyme becomes less effective, their nose can turn pink as they enter their advanced years. This is completely normal and is not anything to be concerned about. This is more likely to happen in colder temperatures, as the enzyme works better in hotter climates. But if a younger Lab, which is not a Dudley, develops a pink nose when they are younger, this can be a sign of a medical problem such as a bacterial infection, allergy, or skin condition. In this case, it is an indication that you should talk to your Vet. Beyond their distinctive nose, Dudley Labradors are no different from any other Labradors. They have the same temperament and intelligence. They also have the same life expectancy and are predisposed to the same medical conditions as other Labradors, but they are not prone to any additional medical issues as a result of their distinctive noses. There has been some recent research into whether the color of Labradors influences their trainability or other behavior; responding to the anecdotal evidence, Chocolate Labradors tend to be more hyperactive, aggressive, and difficult to train. The study found there was no difference in the trainability or intelligence of Labradors based on their color. There is some evidence to suggest that Yellow Labradors, like Dudleys, might be slightly more aggressive towards other dogs than Black and Chocolate Labradors, but the difference seems to be negligible. There have been no specific studies carried out to see if Dudleys are different from other Yellow Labradors in terms of their intelligence and behavior. The one area where Dudley Labradors are different from other Labradors is they are not eligible to be show dogs or breeding dogs. Their pink noses are marked as a fault in the ring, which excludes them from competition. They are also not recognized within the Breed Standard by the Kennel Club. This means that the dog can also not be registered for breeding. From the AKC website: The nose should be black on black or yellow dogs, and brown on chocolates. Nose color fading to a lighter shade is not a fault. A thoroughly pink nose or one lacking in any pigment is a disqualification. So, while Dudley Labradors make an excellent pet for the home, they are excluded from competition and breeding. Dudley Labradors can be bought from all the same places as other types of Labradors, but they are pretty difficult to get hold of. Secondly, knowing the restrictions on Dudley Labradors when it comes to competition and breeding, many breeders will specifically control to exclude Dudley Labradors. If you are desperate to have a Dudley Labrador, you could ask a breeder to attempt to breed one for you. But you should expect to pay a significant premium for this service. You are more likely to find a Dudley Labrador among the litter of a non-professional breeder whose Labrador has become pregnant. If they are selling the pups, they might also want to charge a bit extra for the Dudley, as it is likely to be unique among the litter. So, long story short, actively hunting down a Dudley Labrador can be a challenging process. If your Labrador happens to produce a Dudley in their litter, or you come across a Dudley that needs adopting, they make excellent household pets. Yes, Dudley Labradors are relatively rare as you need a very specific genetic combination to produce a Dudley. Also, many breeders control for this gene and exclude it when creating new pups, as Dudley Labradors are excluded from showing and are also excluded from the breed registry. Dudley Labradors have the same life expectancy as all purebred Labradors , so around twelve years. The genetic quirk that gives Dudley Labradors their pink nose does not have a detrimental impact on their health. Are Dudley Labradors Albino? Like albinos, the pink nose in Dudley Labradors is caused by a lack of melanin, but they are not albino, as this does not affect the other parts of their body, and their skin and hair still contain pigment. Dudley Labradors suffer from all the same health issues as all purebred Labradors, but they are not susceptible to additional health issues as a result of their pink nose. Their nose may be more prone to sunburn than those of other Labradors. For this reason, extra precautions should be taken to avoid developing skin cancer in that area. Dudley Labradors will have light-colored eyes to match their noses, usually blue or teal. Their eyes will never be described as green, as this is not a color recognized for Labradors by the Kennel Club. The only purebred dog recognized as having green eyes is the American Pit Bull Terrier. As Dudley Labradors are considered among Yellow Labradors, Chocolate Labradors are actually the rarest color Labradors, though they do occur almost as frequently as Yellow Labradors. Black Labradors are roughly twice as common as the other two colored Labradors. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Chocolate Labradors are more hyperactive, aggressive, and harder to train than other types of Labradors. But recent research suggests this is not the case and that it is not possible to determine the trainability or character of a Labrador based on color. There is some evidence to suggest that Yellow Labradors might be more aggressive towards other dogs than Brown or Black Labradors, but the variation is too low to be considered highly significant. In fact, one of our puppies that we trained for nearly 2 years was a Dudley. After 2 years of training Dublin became a service dog and worked for another 6 years. In my experience there has not been any noticeable difference in the behavior of a Dudley Labrador vs other Lab colors. Final Thoughts Dudley Labradors are gorgeous Labs that lack pigmentation in their nose, the rims around the eyes, and paws. As a result, they have a pink nose, rather than the black or brown nose that characterizes most Labradors. This is an entirely natural, though slightly more rare genetic occurrence among Labradors. But, for some reason, these special Labradors have been excluded from the competition circuit, and they are also not recognized by the Kennel Club for breeding. But, despite this, these pups, if you come across one, make an excellent family dog. They are just as loving, intelligent, and playful as other Labradors. If you have any experience with Dudley Labradors, please share it with the community using our comments section. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Their fun-loving and positive personalities combined with their gentleness and willingness to please their owners makes them the perfect family pet. Statistically speaking, Black Labs are the most common of all Labrador color variations. This is due to how coat color is inherited in this breed. Without getting too far into a scientific explanation for this, there are nine different possible gene combinations for coat color. Four of these lead to a black coat, three to yellow, and only two to chocolate. Due to random chance, Black Labs make up nearly half of all Labradors. Yellow Labs often have a very light brown or tan colored coat that can appear yellowish. Chocolate Labrador Image Credit: skeeze, Pixabay The rarest of the three major Labrador colors, the Chocolate Lab is beautiful and adorable with a deep brown, chocolate-colored coat. Chocolate Labs are regarded as the most energetic and hardest to train, and while there is no research-based evidence to support this, Chocolate Labs are the only Labs not used as service dogs by the leading dog training organizations. This is possibly due to a higher energy level. Their absence from service dog institutions may also be due to the fact that Chocolate Labs experience more health problems and tend to have shorter lifespans than their Black and Yellow counterparts. On average, Chocolate Labs live about a year and a half shorter than other colored Labs. Simply put, they have the genetics of a Yellow Lab but present a darker coat that appears reddish. White Labs usually have very pale brown fur that can appear purely white, especially in the sun. Their fur normally has light brown or yellowish tinges around the ears and paws. Albino Labs do carry additional health problems such as deafness, blindness, and other eye issues. Austin, Shutterstock Silver Labs are stunning, regal, and sleek. Their light grey coat shines beautifully in the sun, and their appearance is as striking as it is adorable. These pups are similar to Red Labs in that they have the same genetics as one of the major three Lab colors. Silver Labs are really Chocolate Labs, even though they may look more like Blue Labs, but their coat is light or diluted, and the result is a silvery appearance. Like their chocolate siblings, Silver Labs, unfortunately, inherit some additional health issues and tend to live shorter lives than Black and Yellow Labradors. Defining Physical Characteristics What is it that makes this breed so recognizable? Labs are often stocky and athletic with a broad chest and a thick, wide skull. Labs have short, dense fur that is water-resistant. In fact, they were named after the Labrador Sea off of Newfoundland where they were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl. No matter where they go, Labs seem to bring joy and happiness with them. They are loyal, loving, and affectionate. What more could you ask for in a dog? Labs have short, dense fur that is prone to heavy shedding and matting, so you should plan to brush your Labrador at least two or three times a week to cut down on shedding and keep their fur looking sleek. Labradors of all coat colors should be bathed about once every other month with a dog-friendly shampoo. Bathing more often can eliminate those healthy skin oils we mentioned, so avoid giving your pup a bath more often unless they find their way into some mud. Final Thoughts Labs come in three main colors but can have lots of different coat shading that makes them appear unique and especially striking. See also:. Kenya Labradors is solely dedicated to "breeding excellence" to offer you the highest quality family pets and champions of conformation, hunting, agility, and obedience. I specialize in English-type chocolate, fox red, and black Labs of exceptional intelligence and overall brilliance. I invite you to browse our website for photographs, pedigrees, and short stories about these amazing dogs! Kenya Labradors is lovingly owned by Christie Valdez. Our home is 20 acres in the gorgeous Santa Margarita Valley on California's central coast. With all this land, I could have chosen any breed of dog.Why did I choose Labradors? I train, breed, and show only English-type Labrador Retrievers because I believe no other dog will suffice. These fabulous dogs fulfill my every criterion for the perfect canine companion. They are magnificently built for stamina and field hunting. They are off-the-charts bright, eager to please — affectionate, easy to train, and full of personality. Kenya Labradors are filled to the brim with so much love, devotion, and intelligence — sure to become an essential member of your family. Labradors were and continue to be the obvious choice for me. I started breeding Labradors after discovering one special dog. Read my story. From there, I began a fantastic journey to produce the best quality Labrador Retrievers possible, specializing in chocolate, fox red, and black colors with English-type conformation. Kenya Labradors are beautiful, bold-looking dogs and incredibly athletic. They love to swim, play catch, and retrieve but can just as quickly kick back to watch movies with you on the couch. Kenya Labs are super friendly "people dogs," wonderful with young children and the elderly, and for announcing to welcome visitors. Please Contact Me for a Phone Appointment. I don't post my phone number on this website because I am often working with the dogs and paying proper attention to numerous phone calls became too challenging. Establishing our first contact by email allows me to set aside a time on the phone when you will receive my full attention. I appreciate your understanding on this. Simply click on "Contact" or fill out the quick form at the bottom of any page. Unless I am at a dog show or hunt trial, I will get back to you typically within the day. I look forward to meeting you! That's a BIG title, and with good reason! The Labrador is the most popular dog breed by registered ownership in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It is also one of the most popular assistance dog breeds in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and many other countries. They are also widely used by police and other official bodies for their intelligence and desire to please. Sorry, No Shipping When your puppy is ready to go home, I highly recommend the safe and reliable transport service of Trinity Pet Nanny. Click on the name to email and arrange for your puppy to arrive healthy and happy! You must be physically present to purchase a Kenya Labradors puppy. Our dogs are not crossbred to make designer breeds or for non-AKC-recognized colors like silver or white. When looking for amazing English-type Labradors bred according to strict AKC standards, you'll find that I take great pride in doing that one thing well. Come and see for yourself. You might fall in love! Santa Margarita, CA .Original Labrador Retriever Color Black is the original, archetypal Labrador color, and genetically the most dominant. Chocolate and yellow puppies were frequently euthanized at birth. To understand that we have to look at the genetic difference between black and chocolate Labs. Labrador Retriever Color Genetics Both types get their color from a pigment called eumelanin. Labs with lots of eumelanin pigment in their coat are black. If they have a little less, they appear brown instead. We use letters to tell each place apart — a bit like giving each locus its own zip code! The B locus is home to a pair of genes called B genes. There are two types of B gene your Lab can get in their pair: One we call big B — it contains an instruction to make lots of eumelanin, and causes a black Labrador coat. And one we call little b — it contains an instruction for less eumelanin, and causes a brown or chocolate coat. Big B is a dominant gene, and little b is a recessive gene. Dominant genes to switch off, or override, recessive genes. So dog with BB genes will be black, because he has two genes for a black coat. And a Bb dog will be black too, because the dominant B genethe recessive b gene. Only a dog with a matching pair of bb genes will express the instruction for less eumelanin in their coat, and be brown. Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog with two copies of the b gene will actually look brown. But the dominance of the black color enabled our chocolate friends to remain hidden and rare with the breed, for many decades. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. In fact, it would take two black Labs both carrying the little b gene to produce chocolate puppies. Like this: Statistically, one quarter of their litter would be chocolate colored. And of course, some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. These genes are located at the E locus. And — you guessed it — we call them E genes. Just like B genes there are two versions of the E gene, big E and little e. Big E is the dominant gene. It does not interfere with the B genes. Little e is the recessive gene. It has the potential to mask the B genes that would otherwise give us black or brown coats. And the result is a yellow dog. How Yellow Overrides Black and Chocolate Only the little e gene can mask the instructions for black or chocolate fur. There are three possible combinations of E gene that a dog can inherit. It could have two dominant genes EE two masking genes ee or one of each Ee. Only the middle of these three dogs will be yellow. Nine Different Possible Labrador Genotypes! Every Labrador has a combination of B and E genes — called their genotype. There are nine different possible genotypes. Here they are in full: Can you see why each combination of genes turns out the way it does? Because as you can see, the second dog down the list may look black but he could throw brown puppies, and the fourth dog down the list may look black, but he could throw yellow puppies. The fifth dog down the list is also black but he could throw yellow and brown puppies. Puppy colors are easier to predict when both parents owe their appearance to the recessive genes b or e. Mating Two Yellow Labradors Two yellow Labradors mated together will never throw brown or black puppies. All their offspring will be yellow. This is because yellow dogs do not possess the big E gene which is needed to switch off the masking effect. Mating Two Chocolate Labradors Two brown Labs mated together will never throw black puppies because brown dogs do not have the big B gene. But two chocolate Labs can produce yellow puppies, if each of the parents carries the little e gene — like this: In the mixed litter, statistically one of half of the puppies will be chocolate and one half yellow. Depending on their genotype, two black Labradors can indeed have yellow or chocolate puppies. Remember from our grid above that there are four different possible genotypes for a black Labrador. The genotype refers to the genetic code that the dog carries. And the four different possible black genotypes down the side to represent the father. Inside the grid are the puppies that could be born from each combination. If and only if, both parents carry a little e gene, then some of the puppies may be yellow. Remember that your puppy needs two little e genes one from each parent in order to be yellow. If only one of two black dogs carries the little e gene, all their puppies will be black. Yes it is, check out the bottom right hand square in the diagram above! Notice that it can only happen if both parents dogs have this genotype: EeBb. In other words, they both carry a little e and a little b. This is good example of how complicated, and unexpected, Labrador colors can be. There are six different possibilities for litter color combinations depending on the genotype of the parents. You can even get a litter of all black puppies from a chocolate mother and a yellow father or vice versa! Here are the color possibilities: yellow, black, and chocolate puppies yellow and black puppies. Life Span Did You Know? One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that there are a few distinct color coat variations. Fox Red Labradors are a rare-colored version of the Labrador Retriever. Despite this, they can be registered as purebred Yellow Labrador Retrievers , as the darker-colored coat is not considered to be a disqualifying factor. Due to their unique and certainly eye-catching color, the Fox Red Labrador continues to grow in popularity. Labrador Retrievers are known for being exceptionally sweet and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. These dogs yearn to be a part of a family, and fit right in when joining one. In fact, Labs are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. Well-socialized Fox Red Labradors tend to get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. After all, every person they meet is a potential friend that they can play with. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Despite their energy, Fox Red Labradors can adapt to most settings. As long as this dog breed has a chance to get in daily walks, go outside to run and play, and they get plenty of attention, they are content. They are not overly affected by cold weather, but they have a dense double coat. Fox Red Retrievers are also happiest when in the presence of people and they love to be with their families whenever possible. They also have a lot of energy and get bored easily. Potential health concerns to be aware of in Fox Red Labrador Retrievers can include hereditary myopathy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, heart disease, and cataracts. There is also a condition with a genetic link that can occur in young adult Labradors called exercise-induced collapse EIC. Carriers can be identified by DNA tests. Good breeding practices can reduce the risk of potential health issues and make a big difference in the health of Fox Red Lab puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances. The national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an EIC DNA test, and an ophthalmologist evaluation at a minimum. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, the Fox Red Labrador Retriever is at a higher risk of bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Labrador Retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds and are highly trainable. Although they can become stubborn at times, they are eager to please and pick up on training quickly overall. Their energy and intelligence mean they can lose focus in training and get bored easily. However, training that is kept clear, consistent, and focused on positive rewards usually keeps them focused and responding well. Any color variant of the Labrador Retriever is ideal for beginner dog owners. Fox Red Labrador Retrievers have a short, dense double coat that is water-resistant. They shed year-round and more heavily as the seasons change. Brushing their coat a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and looking great. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Because their coat tends to protect them from the cold and they are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water , your Fox Red Lab may try to go for a swim regardless of the season. If they are an avid swimmer or tend to get into a lot of things, you may need to bathe them more often. It is highly recommended to give them a bath or at least rinse them off thoroughly after going swimming with your dog. Their nails should be trimmed once or twice monthly. This will help prevent ear infections. Proper dental care for dogs is essential for preventing the tartar buildup that lends to dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is a good start. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. Like other Labs, Fox Red Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for this dog. However, they will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Often, they are just happy to be spending time with you. Labs tend to have an extended puppyhood until they are around years old. They will mellow out a little, but also tend to maintain a puppy-like exuberance even in their senior years. Once they are done growing and your vet has cleared them for more activities, you can try a lot of different things. Labs are athletic and versatile dogs. They are one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures and tend to enjoy a variety of activities. They tend to excel in swimming, running, obstacle courses, and several dog sports. Fully-grown Fox Red Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Fox Red Labs generally live for years on average. Life Span Did You Know? Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. The Chocolate Labrador Retriever is not a distinct dog breed from other Labs, but it is a separate coat color variation that is specifically bred for. Similar to the other standard coat colors of Labrador Retrievers, Chocolate Labs are energetic dogs that get along well in a family setting. As a Retriever, they also make great hunting dogs and have also been known to fill other working dog roles including service dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more. They are even one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. A point of interest is that all modern Chocolate Labrador Retrievers can be traced to three specific Black Labradors that lived during the s. Chocolate Labs are industrious little pups. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. They are also one of the most affectionate dog breeds and absolutely love being with their favorite humans. Properly socialized and well-trained, Labs are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are famously even-tempered and playful. This makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family, as they tend to be gentle and patient with little ones. They can have a high prey drive. They usually do well with small pets within the family that they have been raised with or socialized around, but likely will still have the urge to chase other animals while out and about. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. After all, strangers are just more people to give them attention and play with them. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers may be high-energy dogs, but they are also highly adaptable. They will thrive in homes with fenced yards where they can run freely. They can adapt well to apartment living as well as long as they get plenty of daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. Their natural urge to dig and bark when they are bored or agitated can be quelled with a little training and exercise. Although they can handle some alone time, Labs love to be with their families and thrive on attention from them, so they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Chocolate Labs also have a water-resistant double coat that makes them well-suited for most habitable climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat. Although they can handle some cold and will likely love to play in the snow, they are not a snow dog breed and may need to bundle up while out on walks in areas with harsher winters. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chocolate Labrador Retriever can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hereditary myopathy, and heart disease. There is also a condition with a genetic link called exercise-induced collapse EIC , which can occur in young adult Labradors. Carriers of this can be identified by DNA tests and it is advised that breeders test for this and avoid practices that would produce the disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can quickly become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are incredible companions and are also one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Their energy can make them a handful at times, but their intelligence, adaptability, patience with people, and eagerness to please make them easy to train. Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds , so they pick up on things easily. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, a Chocolate Lab will do their best to respond as expected and will often exceed expectations. Chocolate Labs have a short, water-resistant coat that will shed year-round. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are all that are needed to keep a Lab coat healthy and looking great. They may need baths more often if they are avid swimmers, go on a lot of outdoor adventures, and get dirty a lot. Floppy ears tend to trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Proper dental care for dogs is imperative to help prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease or tooth decay later in life. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene chews. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds and need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but your Chocolate Labrador will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood and tend to maintain that puppy-like energy and maturity until they are years old. Swimming can be a great lower-impact activity and Labrador Retrievers are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water. Between that, their water-resistant coat, and webbed toes, you may have trouble getting your Chocolate Lab out of the water. Fully-grown Chocolate Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Chocolate Labs generally live for years on average. Fourteen years later, the American Kennel Club did the same in .Featured Chocolate Labrador Retriever Article.

My Account Home of the baddest bulldogges in the south! Home of the baddest bulldogges in the south! Established in , we have been involved with various bully breeds for almost 2 decades! Through dedication, patience, and commitment we have developed some of the greatest most legendary bulldogges in the world! Our Bulldogges excel in the conformation dog show circuit exhibiting the ideal representations of the Olde English Bulldogge breed standard. It is vital for the integrity of this spectacular breed that we maintain genetically, structurally, and mentally sound dogs. All our puppies are raised inside our home with children and receive constant socialization and interactions within the home. This helps shape their temperament in the right direction from the start! All puppies are guaranteed to come pre-spoiled and full of fun! A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. Khaos' Ruby ranks 6. Biggest accomplishment for a dog aside for a National BIS win. We finish the show season with 3 dogs in the top 10! September - Lykan takes his 40th Best of Breed win in his show career! We work solely with Chadde JoliCoeur. Under his direct supervision we are improving the Renascence Bulldogge that he has created. Every breeding is hand selected under Chadde's guidence. With his mentoring, we will always produce top of the line Renascence Bulldogges. Rob and Stephanie Townsend have been in the bulldog world for over 5 years. She is the foundation female for Ragnarok Kennels. The Renascence Bulldogs is bred to a consistent standard and is slowly gaining popularity, but presently remains rare and fairly unknown. Chadde JoliCoeur formed the Renascence Bulldogs Kennel Club, which has strict breeding laws and is dedicated to ensuring proper promotion and bright future of the breed. This handsome bully is slowly gaining popularity and the number of breeders in America is growing. Very protective and territorial, the Renascence Bulldogs makes an excellent property guardian and personal protection dog. It is playful and friendly with familiar people, but can be reserved with strangers. Athletic, intelligent and healthy, this powerful Molosser enjoys an active lifestyle and is easy to train. The Renascence Bulldogge is muscular, strongly-boned and nicely proportioned, having a large head with powerful jaws and a massive neck and body. Although a docked tail is preferred, those left in their natural state are also accepted. The coat is short, flat and smooth, coming in a range of typical bully colors, from white to fawn to black, with or without brindling and tan or white markings. He is an exceptional dogge. He loves kids and is very affectionate. He has very good ball drive and is athletic. He is very soft tempered and responds quickly to training. He is eager to please and will do anything for a chance to play with a ball. He has natural protective instincts. He is a very well mannered house dog and thoroughly enjoys his family. He is not a dominant dogge. He is 75 lbs. Stands 18" at the shoulder. His head is 23". His date of birth is April 21, .He produces wide, stocky and thick bulldogges. Max is available for stud to approved females. These dogges are well known for their willingness to please their owners as well as being natural guardians of their family and property. They all have exceptional structure and conformation. These dogges are known for their natural protective instincts and high desire to work and please their owners. All are very athletic and are very affectionate with kids and family. He is dark brindle with a dark black mask. He is very aware of his surroundings and has natural protective instincts. He is a happy dogge that loves being with his family. Some of the well known bulldogges in Chuckles pedigree are his maternal grandfather's, Greenly's Adam Odo and Evolution's Static. Chuckles has excellent defensive drives and is a natural guardian and protector. He is aware and alert of his surroundings. He has very solid nerves and excellent drives. He is a very athletic and confident bulldogge. He is more of a dominant dog that has a very stable and workable temperament. He breathes well and loves to work, play and hang out with family and friends. Chuckles combines the size and strength of his mother's line and the strong willingness to please of his father's line. His date of birth is July 31, .He has excellent size and strength. He stands 21" and weighs 85 lbs. His head is 24". He is a large bulldogge. He has an outstanding pedigree with numerous outstanding dogges in his ancestry. He produces large, confident and athletic bulldogges. Chuckles is available for stud to approved females. He is a very well built bulldogge that is considered to be a blue trindle in color. He is 20" tall and weighs 90 lbs. He is very young. His date of birth is July 15, .His head is 23" and still growing. He has a very nice temperament. He loves people and is very affectionate. He can be a little silly at times but still has a desire to please and protect his family and friends. He is co-owned and lives and resides in Utah. He has a nice square and muscular build with a phenomenal structure and fantastic temperament. Shoreline's Sully. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The first reference to the word with the modern spelling is dated or in a letter by a man named Preswick Eaton where he writes: "procuer me two good Bulldogs, and let them be sent by ye first shipp. The dog that grabbed the bull by the nose and pinned it to the ground would be the victor. Over the centuries, dogs used for bull-baiting developed the stocky bodies and massive heads and jaws that typify the breed as well as a ferocious and savage temperament. This amended the existing legislation to protect animals from mistreatment and included as "cattle" bulls, dogs, bears, and sheep, so that bull and bear-baiting as well as cockfighting became prohibited. However, emigrants did have a use for such dogs in the New World. In midth century New York, Bulldogs were used as a part of a citywide roundup effort led by Governor Richard Nicolls. Because cornering and leading wild bulls was dangerous, Bulldogs were trained to seize a bull by its nose long enough for a rope to be secured around its neck. Despite slow maturation so that growing up is rarely achieved by two and a half years, bulldogs' lives are relatively short. At five to six years of age they are starting to show signs of aging. The outcome was a shorter, wider dog with a brachycephalic skull. Though today's Bulldog looks tough, he cannot perform the job he was originally created for as he cannot withstand the rigors of running and being thrown by a bull, and also cannot grip with such a short muzzle. The oldest single breed specialty club is The Bulldog Club England , which was formed in .There they wrote the first standard of perfection for the breed. King Orry was reminiscent of the original Bulldogs, lighter boned and very athletic. Dockleaf was smaller and heavier set, more like modern Bulldogs. King Orry was declared the winner that year, finishing the mile walk while Dockleaf collapsed. Wallace then selectively added in in other bully style breeds to complete his version of the Olde English Bulldogge. Wallace is considered by many people knowledgeable of the breed to be the original creator of the Olde English Bulldogge, as he started his breeding program decades before either Leavitt or Hermes. English bulldog enthusiast, he was disappointed by health problems and breeding too common in the modern bulldog. By doing some research, he soon realized that the "show" bulldog had little left from his ancestors. Based on ancient paintings and engravings, and following a breeding program developed by State University of Ohio, he decided to recreate the original English bulldog that existed at the th century England. Thus was created the Leavitt Bulldogge. Using perio statues and pictures Mr. Leavitt started his breeding program searching the same look, though in a bigger and more agressive looking animal. It was Mr. Leavitt who coined this breed the "Olde English Bulldogge" and thus, defenders of the breed say that only dogs that trace to his blood line can claim the name Olde English Bulldoge. Leavitt used a line-breeding scheme developed by the State University of Ohio. The nucleus of the breeding scheme consited of three unrelated unrelated adult dogs, one female and two males. The females pups from the first cross were bred to the second male. The consecutive females were then bred back to their uncles throughout the generations. Leavitt used two unrelated trios to make outcrosses possible at a later stage. He used breeds that all have old Bulldog in their background. The breed now counts many generations of consistent and registered OEB litters breeding true to type. Leavitt describes the character of his dogs as "courageous and determined, without geing overly aggressive". In , Mr. In an ongoing effort to differentiate his dogs from this larger body of OEBs and other alternative breeders, Mr. Leavitt decided in to rename his line of bulldogs, "Leavitt Bulldogs", the name by wich they have, in fact, always been known. The appelation "Olde English Bulldogge was high jacked by other breeders. Today the terme Olde English Bullogge Old English Bulldog is a general denomination for the the different bloodlines of the recreated Bulldogs of the old times. These dogs are the truly old-fashioned bulldogs of the old Roman days, bulldogs of days gone by. These dogs almost became extinct back in the early 's. But actually they were alive and well in the backwoods of America. The Hermes family had been raising these dogs privately for 3 generations, selectively breeding for large size, excellent health, and a unique temperament combining hunting drive, intelligence, protection and playful friendliness. Hermes Olde English Bulldogges can withstand temperatures up to 90 degrees, and down to 50 degrees below zero. They have the rugged health of working dogs. They are not prone to hip dysplasia or birthing difficulties. Their speed, power and agility are overwhelming, along with being "First to befriend and foremost to defend.They have been known to top out weights of lbs, with a head of 30 inches and more. The OVB is a smooth soft hair dog with torso and chest strongly developed. It has a large head and a thick frame that does not preclude physical activity and liveliness. The muzzle is short and broad but not overly so he can breathe normally and effortlessly. The rear is slightly higher than the shoulders and the body is muscular and symmetrical. The Olde Victorian Bulldogge is loyal, brave and must have a stable temperament. The name "Olde Victorian Bulldogge" is a registered trade mark. The Olde Victorian Bulldogge can only be registered by the Victorian Bulldogge Association and only if all of his ancestors are of authenticated lineage in VBA registery. Like Leavitt, its creation has been copied and the name Victorian Bulldog is unfortunately too often used for hybrids or mutts. Ken Mollet passt away, but his work continues. K Mollett, who originally set out to produce a fitter kennel club bulldog. Steve Barnett's goal in his own words has been "always to produce a national bulldogge, a dog which is brought out into the show or ring with pride, to stand beside your dog knowing that he is an athlete, capable of non-stop energy, worthy of the name gladiator, a true bulldog both in appearance and traditional bulldog temperament. Not a nuisance around animals and other dogs, but with an inbred fire if needed, or called upon, a dog that would grace the arena of any show in any country any were in the world, and be gazed upon with true spirit and real national pride, not shown amongst the fruit and veg in a wheel barrow like the kc dogs of today. During the Tudor period both these bloody sports were at a height of national pastimes, the normal person, although poverty stricken and hungry, seemed to always find the odd half penny to attend the various bear pits that lined the south side of the Thames as early as , mentioned by Shakespeare and other known writers in their day. Henry the VIII had a real strong liking and interest in the early bear pits and bull baiting, appointing the first official master of the game, documented in history Queen Elizabeth had a fascination for the sport of bull and bear baiting. She once visited Kenilworth Castle in , then owned by the Earl of Leicester, here 13 bears were assembled for her amusement, although this was the height of the bull and bear baiting period in old England. A bill to end bull-baiting was defeated as late in history as by forty-five votes, only to be abolished 6 years further on in .A royal sport that has been documented throughout history for close to years, these early dogs were the backbone to the now out-of-shape bulldog of today, the kind that won the hearts and minds of the early writers of the day, that stamped the seal, that brought national pride to the words English bulldogge, our goal has been to re-produce this early broad-muzzled, flat-faced dog of old, but to still keep the traditional shape and character we have all come to love. Written with pride by Steve Barnett. The Renascence Bulldogge should appear very muscular while retaining athletic ability. History: The name "Renascence" not to be confused with the word "Renaissance" means "rebirth". This name is fitting we believe because our Renascence Bulldogge's are supposed to be a recreation or rebirth of the larger more physically functional athletic Bulldogge that existed from about .The name Renascence Bulldogge was picked out and Trademarked by Chadde JoliCoeur to represent the style of bulldog the RBKC is seeking to promote and reproduce to protect the interests of those involved with it. This was done to prevent other people and other registries from attaching and wrongfully applying the RB name to their Bulldogge's and bull breed crosses. Chadde JoliCoeur and Jody Willingham started the RBKC when both had became frustrated at the total lack of uniformity and consistency between the modern alternative bulldogge recreations currently being produced and labeled under the "catch all" name of Olde English Bulldogge. Dogs being labeled under this catch all term can range from the original Leavitt OEB's to that of a large longer muzzled mastiff type dog to that of a bigger version of the modern EB to combinations of every thing in between. Because of the vast physical and health differences between the dogs being labeled under this catch all term and the confusion it creates, Chadde and Jody assembled a dedicated group of breeders with established bloodlines who's breeding program's were all aimed at producing the same style of Bulldogge to be the core breeding foundation of the RB breed. This group devised a standard and a registry to help promote, maintain and improve the athletic functional Bulldogge's they were creating between them. This group devised a standard and a registry to help promote, maintain the breed. This type of dog had the strength, endurance and size to do the job that was set out for it. The original breeders made personality and health in a dog their top priorities, along with keeping a unique Bulldog look. The Aussie Bulldog is a recognized breed within the eye of the general public, but they are not yet registered with the ANKC as a pedigreed breed. All lines of Aussie Bulldogs should come with a breed certificate for the documentation of their ancestry. The public first heard about this breed back in as a result of Keith Nobes asking Pip to write to Burkes Back Yard and inform them of their combined breeding program of The Aussie Bulldog. On their way home from Western Australia, driving from Perth to Toowoomba they Noel and Tina visited Joe and Louise Cauchi in Sydney's western suburbs and viewed 2 litters of pups that were of Aussie Bulldog type, making them approximately 2 weeks old when the program aired on Burkes Back Yard. Both breeding programs were in the early stages, and originally from Greens Lines and Nobes Lines; this was very promptly followed by Cauchi's lines. Since then they have continued to increase the Aussie Bulldog population with approximately 40 or 50 more enthusiastic breeders joining together all three lines of dogs. Nobes lines and Greens lines were developed heavily based on British Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Boxer and a small percentage of Staffy, closely followed in the months to come by the introduction of Joe and Louise Cauchi's dogs based mainly on JD Johnson Line American Bulldogs, which do not have any connection in physical type or temperament to the American Pitbull or the Scott line American Bulldog. Johnson line American Bulldogs are similar in height and head type to the Boxer and Bullmastiff. Their breeding stock now has 5 generations of Aussie Bulldog to Aussie Bulldog in total. The consistency with the Aussie Bulldog is better than a lot of pedigreed breeds in proving this with every planned litter. The Buldogue Cameiros is a dog with a powerful and strong physical constituition indicating strenght and agility. It is a very versatile and well adapted dog. It should have a calm and watching temperament does not bark a lot with an accentuated warrior spirit and loyalty. His temperament should be so obstinate as to overcome limits and so controlled as to always maintain obedience to commands from the shepers. This extremly courageous dog is very loyal to its master and docile with the rest of the family, but reserved with strangers. Its body should be strong with a large and broad head and strong, powerful and protuding jaws. Muzzle should be wide and strong but not so short as in Modern English Bulldogs nor as long as in the Bullmastiff in order to enable it to bite and hold bulls inde- pendently of its weigt. The ideal muzzle lenght is ca. The ears are smalll to medium, rose or button, set hight and wide. The Campeiro Bulldog is usually born with a shorter not reaching beyond the hocks and crooked tail. The Campeiro Budogue's coat is smooth and short. All colors are allowed. Dominance of fawn all variations and brindle red, gray or black , as solid or with white. Completely white dogs have been occasionaly born although not desirable for an outside working dog exosed to intesne sun rays. Full black dogs have not been recorded. The ideal height is between 48 to 58 cm 18,9 to 22,8 inches at the shoulders height withers ; the ideal weight for males and females is between 35 to 45 kg 77,2 and 99,2 lb. The program started back in the s and was intended to rescue the "plantation dog" of southern Georgia that was nearly extinct. This rare, bulldog-type guard dog descends form Buck Lane's dog named Otto. Lana Lou spoke of her granddaddy as always having had an "Otto" about the estate. One Otto was all one needed since these Bulldogs were capable of guard work and woods work. When PaPa Buck was killed by a train in , his Otto proved his undying devotion by constant visitation and guard duty over the grave. Buck Lane's granddaughter, Lana Lou Lane continued the breeding program until she passed away in her sleep on July 20, .Like the Plott Hound, this muscular breed is the creation of one American family, and its survival depends upon the nurturing it receives. Originating from English Bulldog stock, this dog's ancestors functioned as cattle and pig herders, but the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is bred solely for security and companionship. Vivian Lane, took over her business affairs. Later, Mrs. Vivian Lane sold her daughter's kennel. The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a well-developed, exaggerated bulldog with a broad head and natural drop ears. The prominent muzzle is covered by loose upper lips. The prominent eyes are set well apart. The Alapaha's coat is relatively short and fairly stiff. Preferred colors are blue merle, brown merle, or red merle all trimmed in white or chocolate and white. Also preferred are the glass eyes blue or marble eyes brown and blue mixed in a single eye. The ears and tail are never trimmed or docked. The body is sturdy and very muscular. The well-muscled hips are narrower than the chest. The straight back is as long as the dog is high at the shoulders. This new bulldog breed is not official recognized by the FCI, although the procedure towards recognition by the FCI has been started on 24 januari .The European convention concerning breeding and keeping of pets as well as the Swiss legislation for animal protection Art. Her goal was to create a medium-sized Bulldog which would meet all the requirements asked for by the rules of animal protection for a sound dog which would keep the unique and much esteemed temperament of the English Bulldog. Around that time this new breed were still called "Pickwick Bulldogs Old Type". The results of the cross-breeding were very promising but showed very quickly that the experiment would lead to the creation of a new breed, a breed that would come close to the original type of the bulldog. The decisions and measurements for the creation of a new breed were undertaken in consultations with the FCI representatives of the standard- and scientific commissions. The most widespread bloodline today is the Alternative Old English Bulldog wich is a cross of the different existing above mentioned lines, sometimes with English or American Bulldog blood added. All Rights Reserved.

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Florida Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Florida? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Florida? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Handler and dog must work together to have a successful outcome. The pinnacle accomplishment for any dog running in field trials is to earn a Field Champion FC title designation or an Amateur Field Champion AFC designation — or for some, it might be both. Your dog runs, finds them, and retrieves them as quickly as he can while responding to hand signals or whistles from you or your handler. Contestants are judged on various traits they are born with including a strong memory for marks, intelligence, perseverance, and more. Section 7. Master Hunting Test. Dogs shall be tested in a minimum of five hunting situations as follows: multiple land marks, multiple water marks, multiple marks on water and land, a land blind and a water blind at least one that shall be a double blind in any combination. There shall be at least three series. At least one of the series shall include a walk-up. The 3 falls must be presented before a dog is sent to retrieve any mark or blind. During a double set of marks 2 falls Master judges shall include additional elements of testing, i. Train ability must be evaluated more stringently than in Senior Hunting Tests. While distance is not crucial, Master Hunting situations are more severe and difficult than Senior Hunting situations. A dog that displays unwillingness must be scored relatively lower on Marking and Perseverance than in the Senior Hunting Test. A dog that goes to the area of the fall and finds the bird unaided shall be scored appreciably higher than a dog that must be handled to a bird. Master Hunting dogs must exhibit those qualities expected in a truly finished and experienced hunting companion. The five qualifying progeny must earn a combined total of 48 points. Two of the five required progeny MAY have a combination of a six point title and a five point title or two six point titles. Points are not cumulative within a category and only the highest achievement earned in each category is recognized. Additional points may be earned by qualifying progeny. All titles below the five point level will only count towards the OS if earned by already qualified progeny. Should the titles of the five qualifying progeny not total 48 points, then additional points including those titles worth less than five points may be counted for those dogs already recognized as qualifying progeny by the point value of other titles earned. GRCA will not track the accumulation of points, only titles. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Texas Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Texas? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Texas? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Best Golden Retriever Breeder in Colorado? Well, we will let you be the judge, but we love our dogs like family and treat them as such. We do not over breed our dogs or participate in any crossbreeding tactics or exotic dog types. We are Golden Retriever lovers, enthusiasts, and protectors. Every dog is like family to us. While we are happy to entrust our puppies to loving families, we do have a puppy acquisition process in order to ensure our high quality dogs are delivered to warm homes that are able to care for our dogs properly. Every puppy we sell is depending on us to properly screen new owners, so please understand we take this seriously. This also protects your interests and maintains high standards for you as well. All puppies MUST be picked up in person. No exceptions. Golden Retriever Lovers Welcome! If you have a wonderful home for one of our puppies, we would love to hear from you. Whether you want a family retriever or a specialty dog for hunting, we will help find the exact fit for you. Many times there is a waiting list so apply early! If you are just getting started and would like to discuss our process, we are also eager to hear from you. Contact Us Today! Look at the current breedings or litters we have or are upcoming and fill out our contact form specifying what breeding you are interested in. Before puppies are born we only take deposits on the first pick, second, and possibly third picks on both males and females. After puppies are born and all spots are filled you will be told what pick you have. Get ready to welcome a lovely puppy that will bring all the love and affection. Tucker is now 3 born and is my best companion. Tucker is the quintessential Golden, beautiful, faithful, active, family-oriented, and geez I cannot come up with enough good things to say. Tucker is my soulmate. He makes me smile every day. If I feel bad he cares and comes to comfort me. He is so wonderful. My parents adopted another Slater Creek Golden, different parents, and she is phenomenal. So beautiful and sweet. Slater Creek Goldens are all love, loyalty and so much fun. Linda — you and your pups are my favorite ppl! Linda you will be in my heart forever. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article.

Conclusion Preparing to Buy a Goldendoodle Puppy Before choosing your new puppy and bringing him or her home, you should first get to know the breeder. You will also want a breeder who introduces you to the parent dogs. Parent dogs give you a glimpse of what your Goldendoodle puppy will grow into both physically and socially. Two super small brown or chocolate Goldendoodles Depending on how long the puppies stay with the breeder, they might have already given them their first round of vaccinations and dewormed them. Good breeders also provide a comfortable and spacious area for the parent dogs and puppies, which you should observe upon arrival to their home and grounds. Dirty or cramped quarters or other adverse conditions may cause traumas that will surface later in the developmental process. To ease the process of bonding and proper nourishment when you bring your Goldendoodle puppy home, breeders should supply you with all the information you need to make the transition as smooth as possible. You should ensure that breeders are forthcoming and knowledgeable on best-care tips and habits. What kind of food or formula is the puppy currently eating? Have you vaccinated the puppy? If so, is there a second round of vaccinations, and when is it? Do you have a certificate of health for the parent dogs and the puppy? Have you dewormed the puppy? How social is the puppy with their brothers and sisters? Puppies, like all animals, are a product of genetics and their environment, so a loving and caring breeder is an excellent indication that your Goldendoodle will likewise be loving, healthy, and happy. What size Goldendoodle are you after? The size difference between a Mini Goldendoodle and a Standard Goldendoodle can be staggering. If you need to pick up your dog to put them in the car or bath them — you do NOT want a standard or medium Goldendoodle! They will be far too heavy for the average pet parent. Ask to see the statistics of the parent dogs. Check the weight and height and find the average between. This is a best estimate if these parents do not have any previous litters to compare to. What generation of Godlendoodle are you after? The difference between a F1 Goldendoodle and a F1b Goldendoodle can be huge. This is the type that has the highest likelihood of having a hypoallergenic puppy coat. Go in depth and learn about the different generations of Goldendoodle dog and the differences in this guide. We also have a predicitive guide on how to tell what type of Goldendoodle coat your puppy will have curly, wavy, or straight. Just as you asked the breeders feeding and sleeping schedules , your vet will have even more information on training, nutrition, and other areas of pet care. What to Look for in a Goldendoodle Puppy You want your Goldendoodle puppy to have the best life possible with you and your family, so there are various variables that you should investigate and anticipate in your search for the best Goldendoodle puppy. We will go over the most important factors to look for in a Goldendoodle puppy in the following sections. Physical Health and Genetic Predispositions Wavy coat F1b Goldendoodles are typically non-shedding while still maintaining that teddy bear look. Medical records will show if either parent dog has suffered from conditions or diseases that may be genetically inheritable. Breeders usually do genetic screening for genetic diseases or conditions common to poodles and golden retrievers. Ostensibly, if breeders present you with health certificates for the parent dogs, this means that they do not have any severe genetic conditions. If you notice any genetic conditions the parent dogs have suffered in their lifetime, this indicates that their puppies are more likely to exhibit similar ailments. These are the most common issues that Goldendoodles face, for which you should do an independent screening with your primary vet: Hip Dysplasia. Soon it would be time to select the one I wanted. How can I stand in a room full of heart melting adorable puppies and automatically know which one I want to bring home. The thought terrified me. What if my selection was really not the right one? I allowed the puppy to choose me! I thought I was making all the right decisions. I had no knowledge of what evil lurked out there with puppy mills pretending to be reputable breeders anotherstory anothertime Leo on the other hand, was my lone star. He was the only pup. With a little more knowledge under my hat I did my due diligence before I even contacted the breeder. He was older 6 months and to me unlike a younger pup — I believed once we spent some time together we would either have a love connection or not. A place all too familiar, you see Dr. However, when I realized I was ready to love, cherish and care for another tail wagging doodle, I knew I had specific desires. I wanted to start this journey from the beginning of his life. I wanted a puppy — born in the winter, so I went to a reputable and responsible breeder… But regardless to where puppies come from, we want them to be healthy. Does he cough or sneeze a lot? Body Condition: does he look well fed? Genitals: does he have feces or pus visible to his genital region? Coat: does he have excessive dandruff, dullness, greasiness or bald spots? Hearing: does he respond when you clap your hands? Vision: does he notice a ball when it rolls within his field of vision? Does the puppy seem to like people? Does the puppy like being handled by people? Does the puppy seem overly sensitive to sights and sounds? Think about it — who best to give me guidance and insight based on time spent with the entire litter? Kelly — the breeder! The ultimate decision should always be yours, but with one as serious as this, I welcomed the assistance from the person who loved them first. Here are just a few that I found interesting and informative:. We've been through the picking-out process many times. We've learned how this process goes and so what I am telling you is true. Let us take you back in time a bit. Do you remember back when puppies used to be picked out at pet stores? There were some in Boise, Idaho for a short period of time. There was usually only one of each breed in the store. That's because the stores found that people picked puppies much easier when there wasn't a lot to choose from. A few complications happen when there is a whole litter to choose from, or gender in our case. We think our option is best for puppies and new families. The majority of our families are not picking a puppy purely out of impulse. That helps them make a logical decision. You are that family. You have thoroughly thought this through and planned for it. Remember that as you move forward, still consider your logic. Often puppy families are so caught up in the emotion of the moment they've waited for a long time, they throw all logic aside and grab the first Goldendoodle puppy that licks them. You are welcome to choose that way, but we will encourage you to ask us about them, and discuss your lifestyle, expectations, energy level, and what are your top priorities. These puppies all have the same mother and father. Even though they are very different siblings, you are not going to get puppies that are that much different from each other. Mother and Father's genetics are even tempered, obedient, pleasurable, gentle, smart and happy dogs. Some are larger, and alpha in their little litter pack, and some are timid. But overall, they will be even tempered just like their parents if given a stable, consistent home. Alpha puppies may need a bit more submission work which we do along the way continually when we see it and the shy ones will need extra handling to build confidence. The healthiest place for them is their litter and mother, who teaches them how to interact with each other and to know who is boss Mother. These puppies will still change A LOT! Between weeks puppies can go from Alpha in the pack to the middle. Some of the middle kids, as I call them, can rise to the top of the pack. Their eating habits and playing rough habits can dramatically change their size and strength and temperament between now and then. By 6 weeks though, it is pretty set. Puppy's development is in hyper speed. It's like watching a newborn grow to a tween in 8 weeks. So we watch them closely, especially as they are changing a lot. That being said. Today's introduction should be just that. We will not be updating you on all of their little changes from now until then. We will point out a few things, but it has been proven that we would be wasting your time and ours if we were focusing on their personalities or even size right now. Please try to contain your excitement and be patient with us. The last few weeks have a very high intensity of care and constant cleaning, moving, training, vetting, and socializing. We try to make it seem very romantic, but it is farm work! Hard, sweaty, dirty and stinky at times! We get our hands and clothes dirty. I don't even want to tell you what hits me in the face sometimes. Thank you for enjoying the journey with us. We always fall in love with a all of them and usually a few favorites, and it's hard to say goodbye. What would be helpful to focus on. Have fun looking at the litter's photos! It takes us over an hour of sweat and tears sometimes to get these shots. These photos will be memories for you when you do take your little one home. We know how valuable they will be in the long run to you! You'll have these photos and look back at the changes. Think about and possibly make note of what's most important to you for when you come. Then you can tell us what your main focus is and trust us to guide you. We know what they are like. You are welcome to do little tests with them. There a many different ways that people try to test temperament. I think they are helpful as long as it agrees with our opinion as well. If a test determines who we know to be the big alpha male says its timid, it's probably not accurate. But if there are several that haven't stood out to us as particularly one way or another, a little test could be helpful if you wanted to try. When it's time to choose. When it's time to choose your puppy, you will be scheduled 45 minute slots. Goldendoodle Puppies get tired quickly and at 6 weeks will only play about minutes until they are all "dog tired. So, staying any longer than that is not very helpful anyway. We can chat with you, and you'll find that it's ample time to decide who is the best fit for you. We will space you out so that they are not all sleeping hard when you arrive. They still sleep the majority of the day, but they will be rested enough to move around and interact. Please play carefully with them, they are still very young. I'll be in touch with you in your pick order soon to schedule your pick-out time. Thank you for choosing Power Goldendoodles! By Dr. There are many great breeders out there that you can buy a puppy from. There are also so not so great places you can get a Goldendoodle. When looking for a Goldendoodle puppy, this article will help you pick out your perfect puppy. There are many things that you need to consider. This will help make sure that your puppy is healthy and exactly the puppy that you want. What to look for in a Goldendoodle Puppy? There are a few things that you need to check out in order to make sure you are getting the best puppy for yourself. These are: Physical Health Health and Genetic issues of the Parents Personal Preference Breeding Qualities By checking all these out in your Goldendoodle, you will make sure that your puppy is perfectly healthy and exactly what you want. These puppies are going to be members of the family, and you want to make sure that they will fit in wonderfully and be as healthy as possible. Physical Health Check When you are looking at what puppy you want, you will want to thoroughly check over everything about the puppy that you are picking out. While most people who are buying these dogs are not vets so they do not know everything that you needed to look for these are common things that you should examine to make sure the puppy that you are picking out is as healthy as possible. Energy Level: look at the energy level of your puppy. If the Goldendoodle puppy is very active and playful, this will be their personality. If they are lazier as a puppy, they may not be as energetic once they are grown. Sometimes these dogs may be sleeping, but they are usually very active. Also, make sure your dog is moving around. If a puppy is sick, they typically are very lethargic and do not really come to see people when they come near. These will be bright and alert. They should not be any matting or redness in the eyes. If they have been adequately cared for, there should not be any dirty or eye discharge around their face. Breathing: Watch your Goldendoodle puppy breathing. They should be breathing at a regular rate. You should also not hear any wheezing or noise when they are breathing. If you notice that your Goldendoodle puppy is making a wheezing sound, they may have an upper respiratory infection. Make sure that they are clean and do not have an odor. A dog with an ear infection or ear mites will have black debris in the ears, and they will have a very strong unpleasant smell coming from the ears. Body Condition: Make sure that your puppy looks overall health. They should be at a good weight and not look malnourished. If your puppy did not eat a proper diet early in life, they could have a lot of health problems as they start to get older. There should be no redness or discharge. If they are a boy, you should be able to feel both testicles. If a dog only has one, the other one has not descended. If this does not happen, your puppy will be cryptorchid. This testicle that does not descend could turn cancerous and cause many problems for your Goldendoodle later in life. Coat: Make that your Goldendoodle puppy has a beautiful shiny coat. They should not have any fleas or ticks. They should not have any bald patches of skin. Sometimes puppies do play rough with each other, and they may have a minor scratch on them, but there should not be a large bald spot on your new Goldendoodle puppy. If your puppy does have a bald spot, they can possibly have Demodex, a type of mange that they get from their mothers shortly after birth. While this can easily be treated by your veterinarian, it can be very itchy for your puppy. There should not be a bulge around their belly button. This would be an umbilical hernia. These can easily be fixed by a veterinarian, but it would be an extra cost you would have to spend on your new Goldendoodle puppy. Hearing: Some puppies can be born deaf. It is straightforward to test to see if your puppy can hear when your puppy is playing whistle very loud. If your Goldendoodle puppy can hear, they will quickly turn around and come toward you. Dogs who cannot hear will continue doing what they were doing. Vision: Vision problems are commonly seen in poodles. Make sure that your new puppy can see. You can observe your puppy running around and notice if they have vision problems. Your new puppy should be able to quickly move around objects without running into them. These are simple observations that you can quickly make about the puppies that you are looking at buying. This will help make sure that you are getting a healthy puppy. You do not have to be a vet to be able to notice that there is something that is just not right with a puppy. Remember to trust your instincts when picking out a puppy; if it just does not seem right, it probably is not the right puppy for you. Behavior Around People and Other Puppies When looking for a new puppy, you will want one that is great with people and other dogs. You can watch how the puppies act in different situations. This will help make sure that your new puppy does not have any unwanted traits. You will want a puppy that is well rounded and approaches you as you walk near the puppies. Your new puppy may be hard to pick out as most Goldendoodle puppies tend to have a very outgoing personality. There are other tips that you can use when picking out a Goldendoodle puppy. How does your puppy act with other dogs? Watch your puppy around other puppies. Make sure that it likes being around other puppies, especially if you have another dog in the house. You can quickly see if your new puppy will be the leader or stand back and let other dogs take control. You can also tell if a puppy is going to bully other dogs and continuously pick fights. Does your puppy like other people? If you spend a lot of time with friends and family, you will want to make sure that your new Goldendoodle puppies love to be around people. Watch as your dog interacts with you and other people who are around. Does your puppy like being touched? If you want a dog that loves to snuggle on the couch and be around you all the time, make sure your puppy also likes to be touched. When you are sitting near all the puppies, the ones that come up to you and want to be in your lap usually turn out to be lap dogs. The ones that are doing their own thing are often more independent and may want to spend their time napping in their bed rather than snuggled up to you on the couch. Pick up the puppies and see how they act. Do they nip at your hands and wiggle around as soon as you touch them? By interacting with the puppies, you can quickly gauge their personalities. Be careful not to pick the shy puppy of the littler. These may be fearful, which is a behavior that is very hard to change. Is your puppy sensitive to sounds? If you live in an area where there are a lot of thunderstorms or your house is noisy with the kids. You will want a puppy that is not sensitive to all these loud sounds. If you clap your hands and your puppy runs away , they may be afraid of loud noises and would do best in a quiet house. Make sure that you are answering these questions when looking for a new Goldendoodle puppy. These will help make sure that your new Goldendoodle puppy is excellent around other people and dogs. Many times, you can help train your Goldendoodle to accept new people and pets, but if your dog already loves other people and pets makes it much easier. If you are planning on getting a new Goldendoodle puppy and you already have a pet or kids, take your dog and kids with you to help pick out a new pet. Many times, it helps to know what puppy your dog and kids already bond with before bringing them home. Genetic Health Many traits and problems can be passed from parents to offspring. If you see any genetic conditions in their health record, then you know that the puppies may also have these problems. The breeder can test the parent for the potential to have any genetic conditions. Any reputable breeder will have their dogs tested for genetic conditions before breeding. Some testing will need to be done by a specialist, and some can be done by your regular vet. This condition is usually inherited but can be due to poor nutrition, overweight, or inadequate amounts of exercise. What is Hip Dysplasia? Hip dysplasia is caused by abnormal development of the hip joints. The hip joint is a ball and socket type joint. A Goldendoodle with hip dysplasia is caused when the socket that is in the pelvis is not deep enough for the ball, which is part of the femur to stay in place. When the hip joint is shallow, the femur to continually come in and out of place, causing looseness and instability in the hip joint. The femur will rub on the pelvis while moving in the socket. This causes arthritis to build up around this joint. This arthritis can be excruciating. This will put extra stress on the knees and ankles, causing them even more orthopedic problems. While there is a treatment to make this less painful, there is nothing that can reverse this condition. How is Hip Dysplasia Testing done in Goldendoodles? Dogs under two years of age can only be a preliminary screen for hip dysplasia. They cannot get their full hip certification until they are at least two years old. Once your dog reaches two years of age, you can take them to your veterinarian for the entire test certification. The hips will be grades as excellent, good, fair, borderline, mild, moderate, and severe. To pass OFA hip certification, your Goldendoodle will need to receive an excellent, good, and fair rating. They will then receive a certification number. Elbow Dysplasia in Goldendoodles Elbow Dysplasia is similar to hip dysplasia, and they can inherit this condition from their parents. This can be seen in both Poodles and Golden Retrievers. What is Elbow Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is caused by one of three different problems. These are: Fragment medial coronoid process of the elbow, Osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle and Ununited anconeal process. This extra growth can lead to the elbow becoming displaced or out of the socket. This can cause the elbow joint to develop abnormally, leading to a life of pain, inflammation, and arthritis in the elbow. Goldendoodles with elbow dysplasia may have no obvious signs at all, but it can be so severe that your Goldendoodle is not putting any weight on that leg. There are many treatment options that you can do to help decrease the pain and inflammation if your dog does develop elbow dysplasia. How is Elbow Dysplasia Testing done in Goldendoodles Elbow dysplasia testing is done very similar to hip dysplasia, where your vet will take 4 different radiographs of the elbows will be submitted to a veterinary radiologist. Just like with hip dysplasia, your dog cannot get their full certification until after they are two years of age. Elbow dysplasia is graded as normal or abnormal with abnormal being broken down into 3 different grades: Grade 1: Minimal bonny changes Grade 2: a bonny proliferation of 2 to 5mm Grade 3: a severe degenerative joint disease where bonny proliferation is greater than 5mm Only dogs who have a normal elbow will pass certification and should be used for breeding. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia testing can be done on your Goldendoodle to see if they have the potential for developing hip dysplasia. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA , and your veterinarian, can use x-rays of the hips to help decide if your dog is predisposed for hip dysplasia. Goldendoodles who do have hip or elbow dysplasia should not be used for breeding. These are genetic diseases that are passed from parents to offspring. When looking to purchase a Goldendoodle puppy, you should see if their hips and elbows are OFA certified. This will help you determine if these will be problems that your new Goldendoodle puppy may develop later in their life. For a Goldendoodle to be tested for elbow and hip dysplasia, they will need to see a veterinarian. Not all veterinarians test for this disease, so call your veterinarian and make sure that they can test your Goldendoodle for hip and elbow dysplasia. Your dog would have to be sedated to get the perfect radiographs for submission. Specific views must be taken of the hips and elbows. To take these radiographs, your dog will not experience any pain but will need to be perfectly still. These radiographs will be sent off to for boarded radiologists to review. It can take a few weeks for the radiologist to review the x-rays and get you the results. Poodles are known to get Progressive Retinal Atrophy. This disease causes the retinal in the eye to slowly deteriorate. Once the retina is gone, your dog will be blind. This is a no treatable or preventable condition. This disease is thought to be genetic, and dogs who have this problem should not be breed. This testing has to be done by a Veterinary Ophthalmologist. Most of the time, the dogs have a disease called Dilated Cardiomyopathy. This is when the heart does not function properly, causing the heart to overwork. The ventricles of the heart will become dilated, causing the heart to have to work harder to get blood pumping all around the body. This is usually a fatal disease but can be managed with daily heart medications. If the Goldendoodle that you are looking at purchasing has these issues, it would be best to look at another breeding pair. A responsible breeder will test for these traits and not breed any dog who has tested positive for any of these issues. Personal Preference Many people have a personal preference for what they also want in a Goldendoodle puppy. Some people want a specific color or a particular hair type. Some people want a big dog, while some like the smaller Goldendoodles. By looking at how Goldendoodle puppies were bred will help you to pick out the perfect Goldendoodle puppy. Breeding Qualities There are a few different types of Goldendoodles. These are all determined by what the parents are mixed with or if the parents are pure-bred dogs. These are common ways that Goldendoodle puppies are made. F1 Goldendoodles. These Goldendoodles are made by mixing a pure-bred Poodle with a pure-bred Golden Retriever. These dogs have all of the traits that many people think of when they think about a Goldendoodle. These dogs will be shaggy and curly. They will have the teddy bear look that most people want. F1B Goldendoodles. You will get this mixture when you cross an F1 Goldendoodle with a pure-bred poodle. These Goldendoodles do not shed and tend to have hair that is more like the poodle. This breeding is the most hypoallergenic of all the breeding possibilities. If you have horrible pet allergies, this breeding would be best for you. You will also see more color variations in this breeding. The hair type commonly seen with this breeding is more like a poodle. F2 Goldendoodles. F2 or second-generation Goldendoodles are made by breeding two F1 Goldendoodles. These dogs tend to have hair more like a Golden Retriever and usually shed a little more but nowhere near as much as a Golden Retriever does. These Size of your Goldendoodle The size of your Goldendoodle will also depend on the parents. While most Golden Retrievers are 60 to 70 pounds, Poodles come in many different sizes such as Toy: 6 to 9 pounds Minature: 15 to 17 pounds Standard: 45 to 70 pounds If you want a smaller Goldendoodle, make sure that the poodle parent is also smaller. If you want a Goldendoodle that is on the larger size, make sure that the poodle parent is a Standard poodle. Most people have Goldendoodle, around 30 to 50 pounds. Some as they are breeding a miniature poodle with a Golden Retrieve. Some people love the tinny Goldendoodles and will look for a toy poodle that was bread with a Golden Retriever. By looking at the breeding of the parent, you should be able to pick out the perfect traits that you want in a Goldendoodle. When should you take your Goldendoodle to the veterinarian for the first time? As soon as you get your puppy, you should take them to the vet for a checkup. Most reputable breeders and other adoption organizations will allow you about 72 hours to return your Goldendale puppy. They will usually allow you to exchange the puppy for another one if there is a health problem that your veterinarian notices. It is advised to make a vet appointment the day your plan on picking up your puppy to help quickly identify any issues that your Goldendoodle puppy may have. Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on your Goldendoodle. These are the steps veterinarians take to examine your new Goldendoodle puppy. Not only will your veterinarian completely examine your dog and let you know of any potential problems, but they will also check the records that the breeder provided you for your Goldendoodle puppy. They will give your puppy any vaccines they need and prescribe heartworm and internal parasite deworming. At this visit, it is a great time to discuss any potty training and other questions that you may have on the health of your new Goldendoodle puppy. By starting your new Goldendoodle off with a trip to the vet will get them set up on a great schedule to keep them healthy. Your vet can advise you on diets, feeding, and spaying and neutering your new Goldendoodle puppy. There are many different things that you need to consider. Do you have kids? This guide should help you make the correct choice when picking out your new puppy. By looking at the overall appearance of your puppy and taking into consideration the breeding and potential genetic testing, you will be able to pick out the perfect Goldendoodle puppy for your family. Making sure that your new Goldendoodle puppy is healthy and happy will start you out on the right track to a healthy and long life with your new furry friend. My two daughters and my Goldendoodle all use this same brush daily. I was kind of surprised at how good it is that it is inexpensive on Amazon. Updated: Oct 22, There are few things more exciting in life than deciding to get a new puppy. But how do you know which puppy will be perfect for you? Recently we outlined a list of questions you should ask before you get your puppy. Equally important, what kind of puppy will be best suited for you and your lifestyle? As South Carolina doodle breeders , we have years of experience under our belt and we are here to help make the very best decision for both you and your new best friend. When it comes to picking the right puppy from a litter, many people often find themselves considering the value of Nature versus Nurture - the age old debate! We have talked at length about the nurture side of the equation in previous blog posts i. While no one knows exactly where to draw the line in the age old nature vs. The first step is to decide which litter is the best fit for you. Most people choose their doodle litter based on color, coat texture, etc. Most breeders adore their parent dogs hence why they want to create more of them! For example, at JLDD we love all of our parent dogs for different reasons, but we also recognize not all are created equal. Others we might recommend for people desiring a more active companion or a dog that can be a real athlete fetch, agility, etc. Ideally, you will find an experienced breeder who can help guide you in this regard…performing a temperament test on each pup can also be very telling. At JLDD we have various exercises that allow us to rank each litter based on attributes including trainability, dominance, etc. But even if your preferred breeder does not do a temperament test, there is a lot you can tell on your own when you go to visit a litter! Well-socialized pups should be willing to approach a new person some may do so more excitedly than others , but all should be curious and accepting of human interaction. A puppy that is very shy and attempts to hide from human interaction will need a lot of patience and training. Learn more about doodle exercise needs here. Dogs that are very confident and more on the dominant side may be repeatedly jumping up, less inclined to be held on their backs, etc. They may also not be a good fit for a home that already has a dog — typically more submissive pups integrate more easily into a home with another dog. A pup that is interested in human interaction but is a little slower to approach may prove to be a more reserved dog. There are other simple techniques you can employ when meeting a litter of pups. Make a strange sound such as whistling or jingling your keys and see which pups respond with curiosity. Again, this would be a marker of a confident dog who will be outgoing and eager to participate in training. Independence is another trait to keep an eye out for. Also, any pet owner should be aware of doodle separation anxiety symptoms. Some people want a dog who can enjoy some time in the backyard by themselves. Others are looking for a shadow — those looking for an emotional support animal often want a dog that scores very high on affection and low on independence. Picking a Good Puppy Out of a Litter Is Easier When Breeders Have a Matchmaking Process One thing that sets our adoption process apart from other breeders is that we like to pair our clients with their new dogs, like matchmakers! Begin by filling out an application so we can learn more about you, such as whether or not you live with young kids, your activity level, what you're hoping a new dog will add to your family, etc. Choosing a new pet is a major responsibility and not all puppies are the same, so why should we treat them like they are? Remember, any pup that has been well socialized and comes from happy, healthy parents, will likely make a wonderful family pet. And nurture will bring out the best in any pup! We hope this post has assisted your search for a new pup. Let us know at contact jennaleedoodles. Post not marked as liked3 Recent Posts.

Adjustable treat dispensing toy Large chamber fits whole meals Weighted bottom wobbles. With a curved, wobbling bottom and a thinner cylinder-like top, this toy is shaped specifically for the mouth of a Labradoodle, making it easier to pick up and walk around with. Goughnuts tough dog toys are long lasting and will keep your dog busy.Our super durable dog toys are nearly indestructible, but if your dog manages to damage them, We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Made in California, this dog toy is shaped like a ring and can float, bounce, flex, and stand up, making it perfect for playing a long game of fetch. With 4 sizes and 6 colors to choose from, this 21 dollar toy is a great investment for your money. With a long-lasting guarantee, Goughnuts also has a replacement policy that says it will send you a new Ring Toy if your dog ever destroys the one you have. Made of a natural compounded rubber in the United States, this toy is great for dental hygiene and is filled with treats to encourage chewing while gradually feeding snacks to your Labradoodle. Labradoodles in particular love this toy because it challenges their intellect. They tend to get bored easily and love the smell of their treats hiding inside this FDA-approved puzzle. Perfect for solo play or playtime with the family, it comes in 2 sizes and 2 colors including red and green. Bring it on. Benebones are tougher than real bones and last for weeks. Trust us, dogs can tell the difference. Want to chat? This toy comes in 3 delicious flavors that will encourage your dog to play and chew it enthusiastically. For meat-loving dogs, chicken and bacon flavors are available. A Labradoodle sits on a couch next to a Pomeranian. Great for.Swivel to hide treats under the.Easy to.Do not leave toys with unsupervised pets. Remove and replace toy if damaged. This toy is considered somewhat eco-friendly because it is made from a wood-plastic composite instead of all rubber or plastic. This dog puzzle is a good stimulation tool for Labradoodles, especially when playing alone because it takes both interest and concentration. To operate and solve this game, your dog must interact by pushing levers and swiveling flippers to reach hidden treats and goodies. By following a series of steps, they will push blocks into holes to release their treats. It also features handles that.Multi-Use Toy: The two-in-one ball toy offers twice the fun, excitement, mental stimulation, and worthwhile interactive play. Its tough exterior makes it super durable and ideal for routine fetch.Hours of fun and bonding are guaranteed between you and your dog. Assorted Colors: Choose from an assortment of fun colors and pick from one of two shape choices: Ball or Football. Available in 2 Sizes: Medium and Large. Available in both medium and large sizes, this toy weighs roughly 1 pound and is great for Labradoodles of all ages. Your Labradoodle will be entertained and occupied for hours trying to figure out how to reach the tennis ball inside of the jumbler itself. And when buying labradoodle toys this is a good idea, as they are known to be quite intelligent, so exercising the mind is equally as important as the body. This ball has an interior tennis ball and makes loud squeaks to make playtime a lot of fun. The built-in handle also makes sure that it is very easy to pick up and shake around for your dog. And also for you to throw for a great time of fetch! Pros: Both fun for brawling for your dog, and as a fetch toy The interior tennis ball also makes it a nice interactive toy Also serves a squeaky toy Cons: Not well suited for puppies or very young dogs, as it is quite large and weighs 1. It makes a perfect sleeping buddy for your dog. Pros: Just look at this thing! The durability of this is the reason they give a lifetime replacement guarantee, so they trust the durability of their product. Many users report back saying that their dog is usually able to destroy most toys in a matter of minutes, but this has lasted them weeks without more than some teeth marks in it. Without much training you will be able to throw this very far, so not only is it fun for your dog, you will also enjoy it. Throw it into a lake and watch your labradoodle jump into the water to try and retrieve it. Labradoodles are very intelligent and naturally curious, which makes them eager to learn. Providing them with interactive toys is an excellent way to keep these delightful pets entertained and mentally sharp. These pets need activities that keep them interested and mentally stimulated, similar to exercising their brains. It benefits you and your pet equally! Here are some interactive toys that Labradoodles will love: KONG Wobbler Kong Wobbler Dog Treat Toy: Fill this durable dog toy with your pet's favorite treats to create a dog treat puzzle that dispenses food while offering interactive playtime Food Dispense Dog Toy: This fillable dog toy wobbles, spins, and rolls to dispense treats, making it a fun way to offer mental stimulation for dogs Dishwasher-Safe Slow Feeder: This dog enrichment toy extends mealtime while supporting healthy eating habits; made of food-grade, high-strength polymer Click to Check Price on Amazon! The KONG Wobbler offers a unique and interactive treat-dispensing experience to keep Labradoodles entertained for hours! This versatile toy combines a treat dispenser and a toy, so your pup can have hours of fun playing and snacking. The Wobbler can be filled with tasty liver treats and is more challenging than a toy dispensing ball. This interactive toy keeps Labradoodles engaged and mentally stimulated and can help with boredom and destructive behavior. Flip lid compartments open and slide to reveal two separate treat hiding spots while removable brick bones conceal the third hidden compartments in this puzzle dog toy. Click to Check Price on Amazon! The Nina Ottosson Dog Brick offers mental stimulation and positive play habits for your pup. The Dog Brick also encourages positive play habits by reducing anxious and destructive behaviors. With three types of treat-hiding compartments, your pup must work to get the treats. Trixie Flip Board Trixie Flip Board As one of our most popular dog enrichment toys, the TRIXIE Flip Board interactive dog puzzle will keep your dog focused and mentally stimulated as they search and sniff out tasty treats; great dog accessory for a boredom buster Does your dog get bored quickly? This Trixie Flip Board is perfect for Labradoodles who love a mental challenge. High-value treats can help motivate them. Chew Toys for Labradoodles Labradoodles are typically strong chewers, and need durable toys that can handle rigorous chewing. Smaller Labradoodles usually need smaller chew toys, while larger dogs enjoy playing with bigger toys. Bring it on. Benebones are tougher than real bones and last for weeks. Why go with the imitation stuff? The Benebone Wishbone is tough, durable, and made in the USA with real peanuts for a paw-friendly grip! While no dog toy is truly indestructible, but this one comes very close. Unique Design Shape Toy for Boredom - Unique fruit shape with hollow seductive pineapple flavor and real texture surface, can attract the dog to chew and play. You can fill the pet toy with food and give it to the dog to play with and it will also make a squeaky sound, this is better to attract the attention of the dog, great dog toy for boredom. Your Labradoodle will love the Fairwin Ultra-Durable Pineapple toy, an interactive treat puzzle designed to keep them entertained and engaged for hours! This toy is sturdy, making it a great choice for even the most aggressive chewers. Not only is the Fairwin Ultra-Durable Pineapple toy tough and durable, but it also provides a fun challenge for your pup. Puzzle Toys for Labradoodles Investing in high-quality puzzle toys for your active Labradoodle is worth considering. This brings them a happy and healthy life. Rewarding your Labradoodle with treats while teaching them to follow directions and think strategically can be a delightful experience. Fill it with his favorite treats or kibble and challenge him to get them out. This deters vomiting and bloat caused by swallowing too much air at meal time. It can be filled with treats or kibble, and the difficulty level can be adjusted by using the sliding door. The toy is made of non-toxic thermoplastic rubber, making it safe and durable for your Labradoodle. It can provide up to 30 minutes of distraction, and because of its shape, it can easily be picked up and thrown. The only downside is that it can be a bit tricky to fill, but I use a funnel which helps. Knitly Dog Puzzles Knitly Dog Puzzles [More Challenging Dog Treats Puzzles] The dog puzzle toys is Level-3 which is designed with 3-Difficulty Levels and it's not only easy slide steps, but require your dog's ability to learn sequential steps and combinations to seek hidden treats while keeping mental active. You would enjoy the time of puzzle game with your pets, which will greatly improve relations with your pets and get fun during interactive dog games. Knitly Dog Puzzles are the perfect choice to keep your pup busy and engaged. This level-2 puzzle has 16 holes and is made of high-quality food-grade PP material, making it safe and durable enough to last for many years of use. It has a built-in squeaker under the middle button that will increase interactivity and engagement, and the puzzle can be used as a slow feeder to promote healthy digestion. Great for dogs who have mastered level 1 puzzles. Swivel to hide treats under the flippers or place them in the blocks through the top opening for an added challenge! Your pup will need to take sequential steps to release the final rewards! Train your pup not to chew on the toy by removing it after the treats have been eaten. Non-removable parts make it a safe and easy to clean choice. It helps reduce boredom and destructive behavior, and it has a non-slip base. Choose a toy that is easy to spot in grass or water to prevent losing it while your dog plays energetically. Ultra Balls ChuckIt! Ultra Balls Super High Bounce: Better than standard tennis balls, the Ultra Ball is made of durable rubber yielding an ultra bouncy, exciting fetch experience on land or on water thanks to lightweight, bouyant design. Compatible with size Medium Chuckit Launchers Tough and Durable: This rugged dog fetch toy has a textured surface and a thick rubber core that can stand up to rough play yet is soft on dog's mouths. Not intended as a pure chew toy, always supervise your dog when playing with this toy Sizing matters: Size medium measures 2. Dog balls should be small enough for your dog to carry, but large enough that the ball can't completely fit in their mouth. When in doubt, buy a size up Click to Check Price on Amazon! These ChuckIt! Made from tough and durable rubber, the textured surface and thick rubber core make these balls great for Labradoodles who are tough chewers. Thrower ChuckIt! Dog ball launcher, increasing the range and speed of your throw and exercising your dog in a fraction of the time Lightweight And Portable: Chuckit. .My Labradoodle will play fetch until my arm falls off, so to make things easier on my shoulder, I got a ChuckIt! As a bonus, I can throw the ball much further with the thrower than I could without it, allowing my Labradoodle to run farther! Each floatable dog flying disc from West Paw is injected with air technology so it is high-flying and able to use on water or land. The Zogoflex Zisc has plenty of features that make it great for Labradoodles. The lightweight construction makes it easy to carry and throw, while the durable construction ensures it can take a beating from even the most aggressive chewers. Plus, the Zisc doubles as a pet bowl in a pinch, making it the perfect toy for trips to the park or beach. It boasts a durable and non-toxic rubber construction that can last for years with proper use. Perfect for aggressive chewers, this toy is safe for your pup to play with and provides hours of excitement for both of you. Dogs love the texture and material of this toy, and it comes in various shapes and sizes so you can find the perfect fit for your Labradoodle. Ultra Tug ChuckIt! Ultra Tug. This toy is specifically designed to fit medium ball launchers and can be used for a variety of activities, such as fetching and tugging. Feeding Toys for Labradoodles Thanks to their Labrador parent, Labradoodles are known for being ravenous eaters. My Labradoodle scarfs down his food, so to slow him down, we use feeding toys that prevent him from eating too quickly and make him work for his meal. Our Fun Feeder Slo Bowls both challenge and engage your dog during mealtime while helping reduce overeating behavior. Make mealtime more enjoyable and healthy for your Labradoodle with the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl, a slow feeder bowl that helps reduce overeating and comes in multiple sizes and designs. This bowl is designed with meal-lengthening ridges to slow down eating up to 10X, promoting proper digestion and preventing obesity. The non-slip base keeps food in place, while its food-safe materials make it suitable for dry, wet, or raw food diets. This dog feeding mat keeps your dog happily engaged as they lick peanut butter, yogurt, pumpkin puree, and other pet approved treats from the slow feeding licking mat. This dog treat mat is a safe alternative for your dog to lick. Great for stressful times such vet visits, bath time, nail clipping, injury recovery as well as thunderstorms and fireworks. The Ulmpp Lick Mat is a great way to reduce anxiety and boredom. It has plenty of powerful suction cups to secure the mat and is made of high-quality silicone. It can be used as an alternative to a dog bowl, encouraging endorphin release through licking. This helps to reduce stress during vet visits and thunderstorms. Slowing down eating also improves digestibility, and the raised edges prevent food from spreading. I put things like mashed up sardines and peanut butter on my lip mats. Sounds gross—but the dogs love it! Just try to avoid buying toys with actual stuffing—I prefer stuffing-free toys. No fluff dog toy means that no mess, no choking risks, keep your pet always in a safe condition when they are chewing or playing. Crinkle paper makes a noise, so that dog will never get bored with these floppy toys. Feature two internal squeakers which protected by a fabric to prevent it from ripping out, creates hours and hours fun for your dogs, interactive dog toys for boredom. These Sharlovy plush squeaky toys are stuffing-free and come in a pack of five making them a great deal. Labradoodles are brilliant and active dogs, so investing in top-notch toys is important. I love having a mix of different toys on hand to keep my Labradoodle entertained and enriched all day long. Which toys does your Labradoodle like playing with? Drop a comment below! Amazon Associates Program This article may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchase. The cost is not inflated to account for the commission earned. Veterinary Disclaimer: travellingwithadog. Please consult your vet for any questions you have regarding your pets health. She has years of experience fostering dogs and has helped find homes for a variety of different breeds, both large and small! Learn more about her here. Different Types of Toys Available There are millions of dog toys on the market these days, but not all dog toys are right for every dog. Some toys are specifically made for smaller breeds while others are made for more aggressive chewers. Others are made with organic materials while others are designed from plastic and include dyes. Most quality dog toys will display the type of dog they are targeting on their packaging. Make sure you heed these instructions, as getting a toy that is not designed for your Labradoodle in his particular life stage could be dangerous. Labradoodles are large dogs that need durable toys. Both parent breeds have a history as retrieving dogs, so may enjoy a toy that you can throw for them. But, you know your Labradoodle best. Ultimately, you are best placed to decide which toys they will enjoy the most. These toys are tough, durable teething toys with nubs and edges designed for those sharp little puppy teeth. They can even aid in overall dental health. This adds a bit more comforting relief when your puppy chews. These toys are softer and made for younger puppies, so they are not ideal for young adult or grown Labradoodle dogs. They come in two different, interesting shapes that will be easy for your Labradoodle to hold whilst they chew. The two toys have different textures, one with ridges, and the other more smooth. So, your puppy has a bit of choice. Chews like this are great for teething puppies to relieve a little of their discomfort, and to save your own skin from painful bites! Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy Puzzle toys can help with chewing, because a lot of chewing behavior is triggered by boredom. Every Labradoodle has their quiet moments. This is a toy designed to be used with treats and encourages your dog to think, in order to get to the tasty treasures. As Labradoodles get older, they become increasingly more intelligent and are more prone to experiencing boredom and anxiety. You can help alleviate this by investing in the best Labradoodle toys you can find. This puzzle toy is made of plastic, so is washable with soap and warm water. But, be aware that this is not a toy to leave with your dog to play with alone. These dog toys include a variety of toys like interactive balls, squeaky toys, treat balls, and puzzles to keep your clever Labradoodle engaged with or without you at his side. The Medium-Large size pack is best for adult Labradoodles, who are large breed dogs when fully grown. These balls are each slightly different from one another, with different textures, shapes, and sizes. So, your Labradoodle has a lot of choice when playing. The Kong is a brilliant invention and comes in a range of different strengths and sizes. The large red variety is perfect for most adult labradoodles to chew on. There is an even tougher black version if you Labradoodle is a power chewer! You can also freeze these toys with food inside, making it a little harder for your dog to get the food out, and encouraging some relaxed playtime. This KONG toy is designed to bounce in unpredictable directions when thrown. Your Labradoodle will love to chase it as it bounces around your house or yard! This toy is specifically designed for large dog breeds. Some Labradoodles are more aggressive chewers than others. If your Labradoodle is part shark, a rope toy like this is a great durable choice. It is knotted with frayed ends, so your dog will love gnawing on the different bumps and textures. On top of this, chewing on rope toys can be a great way for your Labradoodle to clean their teeth. And, it is machine washable, so you can keep your dog healthy and your house smelling fresh. BarkBox Plush Squeak Toy Labradoodle puppies may well enjoy cuddling up with a few soft toys in the first few weeks. Remember, these toys are not suitable for heavy or destructive chewers. But are better suited to very young puppies. You may need to remove them once your puppy reaches three to four months of age This one is a large, plush toy in the shape of a sloth! This toy option has a number of different fabrics that your dog will love the feel of. Plus, inside is a wonderful squeaker, that will make chewing fun and rewarding. Whether your Labradoodle loves cuddling up with their toys or just making as much noise as possible, this is a great option. But, remember to remove any pieces that your dog does chew off. Even fabric can be problematic if swallowed. This is an extremely good toy for puppies as it has a soft surface but the puppy can bite down on the tough knotted rope inside. It has realistic flexibility in its sides, and contains a squeaker. Your Labradoodle will find chewing on this raccoon toy very rewarding. Even if your Labradoodle does manage to completely destroy the outer layer, they can just continue playing with the rope toy hidden inside! Just be sure to discard any loose pieces. This chew toy is covered with interesting textures. You can also hide treats inside to encourage your Labradoodle. Like any other toy, make sure to remove any pieces that get chewed off — although it will be a challenge for your dog with this option! A Classic Tennis Ball! But, in reality, any tennis ball will be great too! And, you can find them in pretty much any pet store. Choose standard sized tennis balls rather than small versions so your Labradoodle cannot swallow or choke on them. Both parents of the Labradoodle the Labrador and the Poodle love to retrieve. So, your Labradoodle is bound to love chasing one of these tennis balls across a field and bringing it back to you. Just remember to remove tennis balls that break open so your doodle dog cannot swallow any pieces. Labradoodles are mixed breeds, meaning they are the offspring of the purebred Poodle and purebred Labrador Retriever. Both of these dog breeds are bred working dogs with lots of energy to burn. Dogs with lots of intelligence and energy to burn can be wonderful companies to the right family. But they can also be more prone to problematic and destructive behaviors if their exercise and mental stimulation needs are not met. These toys can also help soothe anxiety, reduce destructive behaviors, and even keep your Labradoodle entertained and happy while you are away. Is your Labradoodle a chewer? Or does he prefer learning new tricks and exploring? Does your Labradoodle like to cuddle with toys. Or does he enjoy playing tug of war or more destructive games with his plushies? Knowing your Labradoodle will help you be able to better pick out the best Labradoodle toy for him. Puppies, for example, will do well with teething toys and smaller, softer KONGS to help keep them occupied and happy. Adult Labradoodles will likely appreciate toys that help aid in exercise like balls, interactive and puzzle toys. They also love strong chews they can distract themselves with when you are busy or away. If you are choosing toys for your puppy before they arrive, you might want to get a selection — perhaps one toy from each category that we looked at right at the start of this guide. This way, you can see which type your Labradoodle responds best to before investing lots of money into more toys. Other Ways to Entertain Your Labradoodle with Toys Along with investing in the best Labradoodle toys for your Labradoodle, you might also consider a storage container to keep these toys in. Because Labradoodles are so intelligent, only give your Labradoodle a few toys at a time. Then you can switch them out with new ones now and again to keep things interesting. You can also help encourage your Labradoodle to build healthy, independent habits using toys. Keeping your Labradoodle on a schedule and allowing him to have time to himself with a favorite toy can help reduce anxiety and stress, and help your Labradoodle see that being on his own from time to time is actually a good thing. These will last many months, even years. All young dogs like to chew on softer toys too, and the Kong Knots range is perfect for this purpose. Soft toys can work for very small puppies but tend to have a short life. You may also find that puzzle toys and training games, help reduce any destructive behavior around your home. We hope this article has been a helpful guide on the best Labradoodle toys for your playful pup. Now we want to hear from you. What do you think is the best Labradoodle toy on our list? Have you tried any out on your pup? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. References and Resources Paterson, S. They are soft and fluffy, and everyone wants to hold them and play with them. During our Open House we answer many questions that our families have. We discuss potential issues that they may encounter once they bring their puppy home. To ensure a great puppy start, we give our families tips on puppy training and how to intervene and redirect when their puppy starts to chew inappropriate objects, whether it is your finger or your remote control. We use substitution, a simple behavior modification technique to teach the puppy to chew on an appropriate object instead of inappropriate object. To do this, we share with our families some of our favorite healthy and appropriate chew toys for teething puppies. It is high in Collagen, Glucosamine and Chondroitin that support healthy joints with a unique aroma and taste that is very desirable by puppies and grown dogs. These easy to digest but are safer than rawhide and will not cause digestive distress that rawhides can cause. Lamb Tripe Sticks Organic lamb tripe are a great source of probiotics, Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals and support digestive, dental, immune, and musculoskeletal systems. These treats are from grass fed lamb, free of antibiotics or hormones and are perfect for sensitive stomachs that aid digestion and relieve constipation. Untouched, untreated, unbleached tripe with no preservatives, hormones, or artificial ingredients will keep your puppy busy for hours at a time. These sticks are highly nutritious and are excellent alternative to rawhide and other chew treats like antlers that may be hard on the GI tract or the teeth. Larger treats are sufficient to keep your puppy busy for hours enjoying the treat. Sweet Potato Dog Treats- Dehydrated All-natural sweet potato skins are gluten and grain free and are loaded with fiber, antioxidants and natural vitamins and minerals. These healthy treats help complete your puppy meet their nutritional needs without supplements without fat or added sugar. Natural Bully Sticks All-natural beef bully sticks are made from high-quality, free-range, grass-fed beef that are high in protein and other essential vitamins to support a healthy diet. They promote dental health through scraping away tartar and plaque through you Australian Labradoodle puppy chewing action. Free of any additives, hormones or unhealthy chemicals. Bully sticks are fully digestible and an excellent alternative to rawhide and will not splinter. Goughnuts Although this is not an organic product, we have found it helpful as it is virtually indestructible chew toy designed by mechanical and polymer engineers. In addition, this chew toy floats and is perfect an excellent fetching toy. GoughNuts are safe for your Australian Labradoodle and even if your teething puppy chews through the outside layer to expose the red layer puppy should not chew on the red , the manufacturer will replace it. Ensure that it is soft enough to provide relief from sore gums, yet tough enough to last. Tug of war games can last longer with this durable toy that is nearly indestructible. And if your pup does manage to destroy it? The company will give you a replacement or a refund. The material can hold up against active chewers. This rope can be used by multiple dogs at once for pulling, playing, and chasing. Check the price now! Since these dogs are not couch potatoes, they need ways to burn off their energy and stay mentally and physically stimulated. Labradoodles need enrichment every day or they can turn to undesirable behaviors. They are slow to mature and usually only calm down a bit at around 3 years of age. The Importance of Toys Labradoodles like to chew, chase, run, swim, and play. To avoid these unwanted behaviors, make sure that your dog has plenty of walks, chances to run, and toys to play with. When their chewing instinct kicks in, having their own things to chew on will save your household items. What Are the Best Toys for Labradoodles? Chew Toys Labradoodles are strong chewers and need toys that can satisfy their chewing instincts. Chew toys should be durable enough to last and not break apart instantly. If your Labradoodle is a heavy chewer, always supervise them when they are playing with toys. Chewing apart small pieces of toys and ingesting them put your dog at risk for choking and intestinal blockages. Always make sure the toy your dog is chewing is one that is suitable for them Puzzle Toys Labradoodles are intelligent and enjoy toys that keep them mentally engaged. Puzzle toys can keep dogs from getting bored. They also offer rewards for correctly solving the puzzle, further motivating your dog to work for them. Fetch Toys Labradoodles love having plenty of toys around to play fetch with because they are highly active dogs. Throwing a ball or plush toy will give them a way to get the exercise they need and have fun doing it. You may even notice your Labradoodle bringing you toys to throw for them. The more toys they have to chase, the more you can be sure your dog is getting the activity that they need. Tug Toys Tug toys allow Labradoodles to get exercise, safely release some pent-up energy, and bond with their owners. After all, the tug toy needs to be used with another person in order to work properly. Since these toys require interaction, playtime can also be socialization time. They will need you, another person, or another dog in order to play. They can provide a feeling of comfort to anxious dogs and have a calming effect on puppies. They are fun to snuggle with and can be used as pillows. Some dogs use plush toys like children use security blankets. Rubber, nylon, canvas, and latex are good choices. Plush toys with reinforced seams are ideal. If the toys are going to be used outdoors, notice how they can get cleaned. Some toys can be hand washed or put in the washing machine. Design Not every Labradoodle will like every toy. Some dogs love puzzle toys while others lose interest in them quickly. It can take some trial and error to find toys that your individual dog will enjoy. If your dog loves noisy toys, be sure to offer them when playtime is allowed without restriction. Choosing a toy for your Labradoodle can be tricky because not all dogs like the same things. Some dogs are also more destructive than others. Toys are important for Labradoodles because they provide mental and physical stimulation, decrease boredom, and help your pup have fun. This only happens if the toys are right for your specific dog. Always supervise your dog when they are playing with toys that they can easily destroy to avoid accidental injury from swallowed pieces and parts. She has lived with dogs for over 30 years and spends her days writing, caring for various animals, and enjoying her backyard that has become an oasis for wild creatures. Her passion for animals began at a young age when she would bring home the lost dog or cat. As she got older, she went on to bring home an injured bird or raccoon. This love and desire to help all creatures led to her work as an adult with various animal rescues, where she saved the lives of many domestic and wild animals while learning the necessary skills to care for them. Owning and operating a professional pet care service in Chicago for the past twelve years, Jessica cares for dogs in her home while writing full-time. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day. Without something to occupy them, your Dood is likely to quickly get bored. These toys present your pal with a task to carry out in order to receive a reward — this can either be access to a fun toy or tasty treat. Some toys, such as puzzle balls, also work well for rationing kibble with scoffers. Rope Toys Another popular and inexpensive option is the rope toy. Long, colorful fibers are woven together and knotted to create the perfect toy for chewing, tug-of-war games, and fetch. A word of caution, poorly made rope toys can do your pet more harm than good — especially if they are exceptionally energetic chewers. Loose strands can also get tangled around the base of the tongue, which can cause a strangulation-type injury to the tongue itself. Fetch toys Most dogs love playing games with their owner. For the bouncy, boisterous Labradoodle fetch toys such as balls and frisbees are a great way of killing two birds with one stone. Not only do they get to spend quality time with the person they love best in the world, but they also get plenty of much-needed exercise. A further benefit of these excellent toys is the more you can tire your pup out through long walks and energetic games, the easier they will be to handle through the day and into the evening. Burning down their energy this way also helps keep dogs calm during bathing and grooming sessions and trips to the vet. Plush toys Great for anxious dogs and keeping young puppies calm, plush toys make excellent snuggle pals for your four-legged friend. Generally, these are better for light to non-chewers as fabric is more easily ripped and shredded by determined teeth and claws. Always opt for a non-toxic product with reinforced seams, though, just in case. They could cause them health problems if your pup decides to swallow any materials, small parts, or stuffing. In particular, pay attention to: Design While many dog toys have relatively straightforward designs — especially fetch and tug toys, you need to ask yourself whether it will actually appeal to your dog. After all, if your dog loses interest within a couple of minutes, all you have left is a pointless, potential trip hazard. Opt for easy-grip toys with entertaining features if you are looking for something that will keep your pup entertained during solo play. These may include squeakers, added flavors, or a place where you can stash a treat for them to find. Construction This is probably the most crucial aspect of any toy. After all, how many times have you bought what you thought was an excellent toy for your dog, only for them to rip it to shreds in literal seconds? Novice pet parents, be warned! Choose quality toys that are not going to instantly be destroyed the minute you remove the tag. Natural rubber, latex, and nylon are all good robust materials. Kong Classic Dog Toy.

Should a Boxer Mix take after their Boxer parent, they will be a playful, energetic, and friendly dog that loves their family and loves being active with them. Boxers are known for their energetic and exuberant personalities. They bond closely with their families, tend to have a cheerful disposition, and also tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they are friendly dogs, they do have the instinct to protect their families. If the other parent breed has similar traits, then you should be able to expect a similar temperament in a Boxer Mix. Asking the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix is a good start. You can also meet the mother dog to get a feel for her temperament and to see what behavior she is modeling for her puppies. Although the breeder should be socializing puppies while they have them, it is up to you to continue training and socializing a puppy once you get them home. Boxers are moderately adaptable dogs. Because of their energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. But, they can adapt to apartments as long as they get exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. Although all dogs are sensitive to heat, the Boxer is even more so because of their short snout. And, because they bond so closely with their families, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The other parent breed could introduce some traits that could affect the adaptability of a Boxer Mix, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. Knowing more about the other parent breed will help you get a better idea of what range of potential characteristics to expect. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? A Boxer Mix can inherit any combination of the potential health issues common to one or both of their parent breeds. Or, they could inherit none of them. From the Boxer side, potential health conditions include degenerative myelopathy, thyroid deficiency, hip dysplasia, and heart conditions. Boxers also tend to have sensitive digestive systems, which often makes them gassy. As a brachycephalic dog, they will also snort and snore. Because they are a barrel-chested breed, they are also at a higher risk for bloat in dogs. This can become dangerous, especially if the stomach flips, so you want to make sure you reduce the risk when you can and know the symptoms so you can get help as soon as possible. Since reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies, they should be able to answer your questions. Despite their high energy, Boxers are highly trainable dogs that can be a good fit for owners of any experience level. Because they are intelligent, they pick up on things quickly and can get bored easily. But, they are eager to please their owners and tend to respond well to training. The other parent breed could make a Boxer Mix even easier to train or more difficult to train. You want to make sure you ask the breeder about the other parent breed so you know what range of trainability to expect. A Boxer Mix can end up with a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a combination of both of them. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Ears should be dry, clean, and free of debris or pests. Unfortunately, many dog owners overlook dental care, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed. Daily walks plus playtime and other activities should be enough for this dog. However, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you can expect a Boxer Mix to also be a high-energy dog. However, this is a potential range, so you will still need to be prepared to deal with a Boxer Mix that is high-energy. A Boxer usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can affect this, especially if they are the mother, so you do want to ask about them. A Boxer generally lives for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you can likely expect a similar life span in a Boxer Mix. Featured Boxer Mix Article. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.

She is a dedicated breeder and treats all her puppies with the utmost care. She is very healthy, good temperament, smart and beautiful! Connie also continues to check in with us from time to time to see how Daisy is doing. If I ever get another poodle, it will be a Valencia Poodle. He is a very healthy and loving puppy! You can tell that he was treated with so much love. Even after getting Archie I would message Connie and she continues to respond to my messages very quickly! Our family will be going back to Valencia Doodles for new additions!! Thank you so much for everything you do and for loving these puppies so much. Connie is an amazing breeder! Our poodle was even potty trained!! Connie always communicated well with us, gave us updates on our pup and she absolutely produced the best clean, healthy, good quality, best temperament pup ever! Keep up the great work!! She offered to FaceTime and I quickly knew she was the real deal. She has been the best therapy pup for my daughter as well. Nursing school is no joke We love Piper so much that we are adopting another!! Connie is a wonderful breeder who cares for her pups and she totally focuses on quality! Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets.